Lessons from Ruth

I've been studying Ruth this week and am so in Awe of the depth of her character and faith in God that I had to share some of this with y’all J.  Bear in mind this is by no means a comprehensive list of all Ruth was, just the character traits that stood out to me at this juncture in my life.

Quick Re-cap:

Ruth is a Moabite woman who married an Israelite man but within ten years both her husband and her father-in-law are dead. Her mother-in-law (Naomi) decides to move back to her own people and urges Ruth to remain in Moab and remarry. Ruth refuses to leave Naomi, declares her loyalty, follows her back to Israel, where by God’s divine provision they meet a relative of Naomi’s (Boaz) who eventually marries Ruth and redeems their family. Ruth is also King David’s Great Grandma J (#funfact). –Read Ruth (book in the Bible) for details

1. Loyalty

This is probably the most obvious characteristic Ruth demonstrates. We continue to quote Ruth’s proclamation of loyalty to Naomi to this day;

“Do not persuade me to leave you or go back and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May Yahweh punish me, and do so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”

I can’t imagine bolder words than these, yet here is Ruth tying her future to an elderly, helpless, and hopeless woman. She demonstrates loyalty that goes well beyond the majority of most friendships (and marriages for that matter). Her loyalty, like many of her actions, is underlined by incredible love and unshakable, selfless commitment.

2. Diligence

Ruth works from dawn to dusk gathering food in the field for herself and Naomi. She works so hard that strangers note her diligence and she works with a proactive and willing heart. She is a humble worker and the way she carries herself is noteworthy in the eyes of everyone who sees her. NB: She’s not working hard for money for the sake of it, or for notice. She’s diligent because she wants to provide for her family, Naomi, and to honor her commitment.

3. Faithfulness/Obedience

Ruth is obedient and loving towards her mother-in-law, and she is committed to keeping the promise she made before the Lord. Her level of love and obedience exceeds simple people-pleasing. In fact, she loves so selflessly that she’s willing to risk social awkwardness and get left overs for her mother-in-law after the first dinner Boaz invites her to. She also looks to Naomi for wise counsel concerning a potential suitor… I’ll be first to say here that as young women we need to look to older women around us more for guidance in such matters; we’d probably escape a Lot of heartbreak and “complications” – same goes for guys.

4. Patience

Ruth doesn't say much, if anything, about her own desires, but given her cultural context I think it’s safe to assume that she wanted to marry and have children, and experience financial stability and food security. However, despite these implied desires, Ruth faithfully does all she can to live within her current means. She waits patiently on the Lord’s timing for each of these with little certainty that any will become reality.

Meanwhile, she is not too proud to receive the help she needs.

 …and graciously accepts Boaz’ acts of kindness. This aspect of Ruth’s character struck me so much firstly because it’s so counter-cultural in our increasingly individualist and sometimes hyper-feminist society, and secondly because I tend to idolize self-sufficiency and independence. Ruth demonstrates courage in letting Boaz help.

5. *On Ruth “pursuing” Boaz

In my more forward days (not so long ago) I read Ruth as the book that validates girls pursuing guys. My views have since changed, and we’ll leave the details to some other conversation. Here’s my current understanding -

Ruth has this beautiful way of showing her interest (for the brave ladies out there) and making herself available to the man who has her attention without attention-seeking, manipulation, or sexual enticement. Her strength of character and virtues precede her such that a God-fearing man is drawn to her. When this man decides to pursue/marry her, she only has to continue in habits she’s already been developing before; she doesn't have to work hard to keep up an image because he loves her very essence, "the real her". This understanding of Ruth’s behavior puts patience (and Wisdom*) in romantic relationships in perspective.

Ruth Rocks!

*art piece "African Fulani Lady" by Kanayo