CENTRAL THOUGHT
The believer is required to uphold constancy of godly character in all spheres of life.
HYMN: “ I am Thine O Lord”
TEXT: Ruth 2:22; 3:18
INTRODUCTION
We shall be concluding the character study on Ruth, the Moabitess young woman, who got married to a Jewish family, became a widow in Moab, but chose to keep company with her mother-in-law (also a widow) on the return to Bethlehem Judah. Being a stranger in Bethlehem, she did not sit down to bemoan her situation but believed/ trusted in the God of Israel. In the circumstance before her, she exhibited some qualities that are admirable, which today’s believer in Christ Jesus out to notice. In a world of changing morals, the believer is faced with pressure not to be firm, consistent in upholding godly character in society and marriage relationships. The believer therefore has to be persuaded in his/ her heart and follow godly examples that will encourage the resolve to always live a life pleasing to the Captain of our salvation.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are to:
- Understand the passion exhibited by Naomi, the mother-in-law
- Appreciate the obedience of Ruth
- Appreciate the godly character of the rich man Boaz; and
- See the benefits of living a godly life
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. DISCUSS THE PASSION EXHIBITED BY NAOMI AND THE COUNSEL GIVEN TO RUTH
Naomi, the Jewish mother-in-law to a Moabite young woman, after settling down back home in Bethlehem Judah recognized and communicated to Ruth her thoughts: that Ruth needed security, a home, and husband of her own. She revealed to her daughter-in-law, her plan of definitely seeking to bring Boaz and Ruth together as man and wife through the law of kinsman redemption (see Deut. 25:5-10). This was quite thoughtful of Naomi, exhibiting her love and good wish for Ruth, through knowledge of the tradition of the time, to claim the right of Kinsman redemption. According to this law, whoever redeemed the inheritance must also take the wife of a dead brother and raise up seed for him in Israel to keep his family alive.
Ruth 3:2-4 show the ten-fold strategic plan of Naomi for Ruth. Naomi, knowing the custom of winnowing (i.e separating chaff from the wheat) at night and the practice to keep watch over the piles of wheat or barley on the threshing floor, gave Ruth this strategic counsel, probably with confidence in the moral character of Boaz.
Q2. WHAT WAS THE BASIS FOR RUTH’S OBEDIENCE? (RUTH 3:5-9).
Hearing the counsel of the mother-in-law was one thing; heeding or carrying out the plan in obedience is another issue. From the mother-daughter relationship between these two widowed woman, mutual love, and godly character and influence of Naomi, the older one, it was certain that obedience would follow on the part of Ruth. Thus, Ruth’s obedience was based on submission or respect, trust and love, knowing that her mother-in-law definitely meant well for her, and also backed up with her faith in the God of the Jews. Though the need was really there in Ruth’s life, she obediently maintained her faith in the laws of God for the Jews, declaring to Boaz in vs. 9 “for thou are a near kinsman”.
Q3. WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM THE RELATIONSHIP THAT EXISTED BETWEEN RUTH AND NAOMI? (RUTH 3:1-6, 16-18)
Looking back at the study from the two previous lessons, the sad return from Moab back to Bethlehem Judah, it is clear that a mutual relationship must have existed between these two widowed women. Love was established on both sides: mother to daughter-in-law, and more importantly young hard working daughter-in-law for sorrowful “old” mother-in-law. This, of course, is a lesson/ challenge to our generation. Also, sincerity was displayed both ways and from each of them. They were not self/ self-centered, but showed concern with thoughtfulness for one another. They appreciated themselves. Thus, trust developed between them, as they rested their case with God, seeking to allow the law of God for the Jews address the situation of the young woman Ruth.
Q4. DISCUSS SOME OTHER CHALLENGES FROM THE CHARACTER OF THE YOUNG STRANGER WHO TRUSTED IN THE GOD OF ISRAEL (RUTH 3:10-11; PROV. 31:10-19)
The steadfastness in keeping to her godly convictions was seen in Ruth’s character, she went all the way through with Naomi (reflect on Ruth 1:16-17) and sought her welfare. She adopted righteous means/ ways in requiring Boaz to fulfill the part of a kinsman to her, which was her legal right. Her eyes in this legal right were not “up” in marriage. She was willing to accept Boaz, an older man, instead of rejecting him for a younger man, rich or poor. Furthermore, there was the testimony about Ruth: “all in Bethlehem knew Ruth, a widow, was a virtuous woman.” Recall that she was a stranger from Moab, but had this good testimony in the land of Israel, because remaining a widow was one of the greatest proofs of purity to the Jews, coupled with her being industrious. Indeed, these are challenged for us today.
Q5. HIGHLIGHT THE GODLY CHARACTER OF BOAZ, AS IT RELATED TO RUTH A WIDOW (RUTH 3:12-15)
The rich man Boaz, with the fear of God, had integrity, showed respect for Ruth (didn’t touch her, didn’t want anyone to know she came there, etc.), was humble and submitted to doing things the proper way they should be. Furthermore, he didn’t use his wealth to impress others, cared for the poor widows, gave her “measures of barley”. He had wisdom enough to discipline himself as fast as Ruth was concerned, and wait until things were put in their proper perspective. How is it with some today? Job covenanted with his eyes, not to “think upon a maid” (Job 31:1). Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife who lusted after him for sex because he said,” how can I do this great wickedness, ad sin against God” (Gen 39:1-17).
Q6. DISCUSS THE END REPORT ON RUTH’S LIFE AND THE BENEFITS OF LIVING A GODLY LIFE. (RUTH 4:9-17; MATT. 1:5)
After settling the kinsman redemption matter between Boaz and his relative who had the first right of redemption before the elders of Bethlehem, the right to take Ruth as wife was given to Boaz. the eldest renounced blessing upon Boaz and Ruth, calling in the Lord to make it a fruitful house/home and make them famous in Bethlehem. The blessing came true: this family produced David and the Messiah in Bethlehem. Ruth was described again as “daughter-in-law that loved Naomi, and better to her than seven sons” (Ruth 4:15). Ruth gave birth to Obed who was the father of Jesse. Indeed “godliness is profitable unto all things; having the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come.” (1 Tim 4:8).
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
Ruth was faithful in her love and loyalty to her mother-in-law; she brought a sense of fullness into Naomi’s life. She maintained her integrity in being industrious, obedient to godly counsel, respectful and sincere. Boaz too had the fear of God in his heart, displayed integrity, humility, mercy, and care for the poor. There is a lot for us as believers to learn, as ambassadors for Christ in relationship/ interactions in marriage, office, as employers/ employees among others. The society needs men/women with godly convictions, who will be examples in integrity, trustworthiness and loyalty; and you and I are called to be one!
MEMORY VERSE:
James 1:25
“But whosoever looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
Monday: Need for godly counsel.
Ps. 1:1-3; Ruth 3:1-4
Tuesday: Ruth, obedient to her mother-in-law’s godly counsel.
Ruth 3:5-6
Wednesday: Have mutual relationships in the family. Ruth 3:1-6, 16-18
Thursday: Maintain Christian integrity.
Ruth 3:10-11
Friday: Exhibit godly character in all areas.
Ruth 3:12-15
Saturday: Godliness is profitable.
Ruth 4:9-17; 1 Tim 6:3-8