What a lesson, what a lesson! The testimony of Ruth’s journey “When she decided!” A testament for all of us. Ruth not only “Decided, but served, rested and was rewarded”. All captions in the Book of Ruth-the King James Study Bible version. Our subject “UPON A DECISION.” During and though out our lives decisions are made whether good, in between-“So, so” and/or terrible. Then during our decision-making believing it was the right “Thing” to do at that time.” So folks let’s not beat ourselves up for past poor decisions. There are also times perplex about a decision, therefore led to remain “Still” to see the work of the LORD. Then sometimes made no decision when one was needed. Allowing things to just happen-be it good, in between or terrible. If in turmoil about past or recent decisions made, the LORD has forgiven you and me. Now it is time to forgive ourselves. The lessons learned continues to perfect us in Christ. A closer walk-the push needed to surrender our will and way to the LORD. A limitless love relationship with Christ leading to eternality with Him.
Now let us dive into the Book of Ruth to see what was going on. Naomi, her husband, Elimelech and their two sons left their home, Beth-lehem-Judah because of a famine in the land. They were a household of substance and Elimelech owned land. Elimelech and the family traveled. They settled in country of Moab that was fruitful to feed and care for his family. Therefore they were prosperous in the land. Then the husband died. Yet they were not left without provisions. The sons married, took care of their wives and mother, Naomi. Low and behold both sons died. The women were left to fend for themselves. Naomi was at the point of brokenness and seemingly felt abandoned by God. UPON A DECISION Naomi decided to go back home.
Many times when things fall apart whether ones’ fault or not, the opportunity is available to return home like Naomi; where families can work together helping those in need. But unavailable for many since no home or family dwelling to return to. Yet we may experience wayward siblings and/or others we love that UPON A DECISION chose or found themselves in unfruitful situations, habits and lifestyles. They refuse to give up the _______ (you fill in the blank). We can say to them “I know you are not going to stop ________, but cut back. A brand pack of cigarettes costs around $15. Who can afford that? “Hats off” to family members and friends with a heart and godly ideas to work together helping loved ones. Believing when we work together and talk to loved one with love, no accusations, but with reasonable suggestions that may help.
Then in our lifetime I’m sure many have experienced some stressful times UPON A DECISION where family and friends have come to our rescue. I certainly have been one of those rescued. As believers in Christ we are to exhibit love, compassion, kindness and more like Christ. Through the Spirit of His wisdom He gives, ask for discernment and the ability of longsuffering (to put up with). Because Christ loves and is longsuffering with us.
Back to Naomi. During Naomi’s journey back to Judah she had conversations with both daughters-in-laws to include they were young enough to get husbands and she had nothing to offer them. Orpah reluctantly left to return to her family. Ruth clung to Naomi. UPON A DECISION (Ruth Deciding) said to Naomi Ruth 1:16-17 “For whither (where) thou go, I will go; and where thou lodge, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou die, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”
In other words, nothing could separate Ruth from Naomi except death. The closest we get to death do we part decision-making is through marriage-“Unto death do you part.” Ruth decision making was purposefully. God heard, was pleased and as you will see He rewarded Ruth abundantly. Her commitment unto death in loving Naomi, her people and her God is something to think about: UPON A DECISION: What is the depth of your love for family and Christ?
RUTH SERVING-Chapter 2
Verses 1-2 Naomi told Ruth about her deceased husband’s relative named Boaz. She said, “He was a mighty, wealthy and later during the Book of Ruth found to be a godly man.” Ruth said, “Let me now go to the field, and glean (collect/gather) ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace.” Hum…Ruth spoke with confidence. Then Naomi said, “Go my daughter” and verse 3 “And she went.” Later in the scriptures we find the whole town knew who Ruth was and the plight of Naomi. So Boaz was an older, single man who never been married. He was known to do what was right by God to help his relative’s family. Just to be real. In today’s world, not all but, old men love young woman; and Ruth may be observed as a “Scheming woman since” she was young, a widow and poor.
So Ruth gleamed in the field that belonged to Boaz, the field was light. He came home, saw and inquired about Ruth. His servant said “She returned with Naomi from the country of Moab. He further told Boaz the words of Ruth, 2:7 “I pray you, let me gleam and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.” A presentation of godliness and humility (I pray you let me). Not an attitude of privilege since she was Naomi’s daughter-in-law.
Continue reading Chapter 2 about the favor Ruth received from Boaz. Then Verse 10 “Ruth fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him(Boaz), Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou should take knowledge of me seeing I am a stranger?” Boaz shared all told to him concerning Ruth’s care for Naomi. He then foretold of blessings Ruth will receive from God in Verse12 “The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” Then Ruth said, “Let me find favor in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens. Verses 14-17 talks about the favor Ruth received from Boaz.
Now Ruth returned home with all that she had gleaned and gave to her mother-in-law. She asked Ruth where she gleaned today? She reported with a man named Boaz. Naomi said, “Blessed be he of the LORD and paraphrasing who hath who showed their kindness to the living and the dead. And Naomi said unto her, “The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.”
Gleaning was the process allowed for the poor living in the area to reap the benefits of some of the grain that would had fallen to the ground in the fields, or would still be on remaining stalks through the field. Gleaning the crop prior to the harvest. This happened before regular workers would return to complete the harvest. Ruth served by working morning to seemingly late that day and she would have provided food for Naomi to eat.
Scriptures to support helping those in need/a blessing, love and the Son of man came to minister are: Proverbs 19:17 “He that hath pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. First John 3:17 “But whoso hath this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? Question: We are called to serve others. How do you serve the needy, the poor or elderly today?
RUTH RESTING-Chapter 3:18 Then said she (Naomi), “Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.” A time for Ruth to REST in the LORD. What about you and me, are we resting in the LORD like Ruth when face with serious and detrimental matters?
Resting in God means to trust, rely on and to have peace in Him. He is the All-Knowing, Creator of all things, the Ancient One and none can compare to Him. Then we have the assurance of His Holy Spirit our presence help, counselor and deliverer during our times of troubles. Loving this scripture Exodus 14:13 “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, standstill, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.” Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” An unchanging God! He did it for them and does mighty acts for us!
Now 3:1b “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee? Verses 3-4 are instructions from Naomi to Ruth on “How to prepare her body, when to lie down at Boaz feet, go to where he is sleeping, uncover his feet, lay down there and he shall tell you what to do.” Ruth agreed and did all Naomi said.
The significance of laying at Boaz's feet was associated with authority and dominion. Therefore Ruth was placing herself under his protection, in addition to proposing marriage by asserting her right to be redeemed as the widow of Boaz’s relative. If a married man dies without having a son, his brother or nearest relative is obligated to marry the widow. The firstborn son from this union is to carry on the name of the deceased to ensure family lineage and inheritance. Then positioning herself at Boaz's feet, demonstrated Ruth’s humility and willingness to submit to his decision. This act also tested Boaz's character (Reference Bible Analysis). Question: Will he take advantage of the situation, or respond honorably?.
BOAZ’S GODLY RESPONSES
Verse 8-11 “And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. “And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou follows not young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requires: for all the city of my people does know that thou art a virtuous woman.”
Verses 12-14 “And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD lives: lie down until the morning. And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.” Verse 16 “And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her. Reiterate Verse 18 “Then said she, “Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.” Great godly advise from the mother-in-law.
RUTH REWARDED-Chapter 4:1-22 A summary of the events which took place to include Ruth and Naomi rewards/blessings. which includes the family lineage. Chapter 4-Boaz took with him 10 men of the elders to witness his sit-down meeting with Naomi’s first kinsman. Boaz went up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the first kinsman of whom Boaz needed to speak with came by; and they sat down to talk.
Verses 13-17 The Summary-Boaz took Ruth to be his wife, she conceived and bore a son, named Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David. The lineage of Jesus, the King of kings. The women called Naomi blessed and she was left with a kinsman whose name may be famous in Israel. Yes in the 21st century we can say Boaz name is great to include part of Jesus lineage. Then the women said Boaz was a restorer of Naomi’s life and nourisher in her old age. Naomi is no longer broken nor felt abandoned by God. The daughter-in-law was reported to be better than seven sons. And Naomi took the child, laid him in her bosom and became his nurse.
Ruth a virtuous woman was honored and highly favored by God to capture the heart of Boaz and birth Obed the father of Jessie-the dad of King David that are included in the lineage of Jesus/Yeshua, the King of kings that reigns forever and ever. Then Ruth’s unwavering faith, humility and she followed Naomi’s instructions on “How to catch her man.” She was also steadfast in her declaration to Naomi which included “Your God is my God, where you, I go etc..
Thanks LORD for the Book of Ruth that UPON A DECISION we have already decided to follow and serve You, since it is You that choose us first. Thus our desires are to remain steadfast in You, operating in Your humility, love, compassion, longsuffering and more. Not only during troubled times, but when life is great. Let us never forget about You, even in our old-golden age. We thank You for coming to our rescue of defeat, sadness, loneliness, and brokenness. Thanks for being our Life-line because no one else is like You, LORD. We give thanks for Your rest, love, grace and mercy. Thanks we are virtuous women and the men are godly. We thank you for the lessons learned and we are being perfected in You. We thank you for godly and morally decision-making, including Your rewards. We honor, praise and exalt Your Holy Name & it is in Your Son, Jesus/Yeshua’s Name that we pray, Amen! Blessing & continue love, Neatbooks4u
