Ruth 1
Ruth is a delightful little book. It is one of the world’s greatest short stories. Mention its name and Bible readers praise its beauty, and often tell what it means to them personally. “The reasons for such tender reverence come readily to mind,” writes Robert Hubbard in his commentary, and in his introduction presents several levels in which this beautiful literature captures our imagination, and Lord willing, our hearts. He writes:
“The book is, after all, profoundly human – a story with down-to-earth features with which one can easily identify. Indeed, readers immediately see themselves in the story. They empathize readily with poor Naomi, battered by life’s tragic blows – famine, exile, grief, loneliness – and recall their own bitter bruises. They quickly admire charming Ruth, her commitment, courage, and cleverness. Admiration easily yields to emulation, for readers know how much better off this tragic world would be were more Ruths among its populace. They warm willingly to Boaz, that gracious tower of gentle manliness and generosity, whose uprightness challenges them to reflect on their own way of life. In sum, they are ordinary people – people like the reader – who portray an extraordinary alternative to the way life is commonly lived, the life of ‘compassionate loyalty,’ [God’s faithful love], with appealing sincerity and simplicity.” (The Book of Ruth, NICOT,
[MI: Eerdman’s Publishing, 1988], pp. 1-2.)
Moreover, the story’s theme easily ensnares the audience’s attention. Hubbard notes the basic plot lines that capture our minds:
“On the one hand, it is a love story between Ruth and Boaz. Like juicy bait, their first meeting on Boaz’s field (chap. 2) quickly hooks the reader. Once snagged, the audience must remain to see how the romance ends. The unexpected appearance of another suitor, the anonymous kinsman (3:12), only intensifies the curiosity. Now the audience cheers mentally for Boaz – and rejoices when he indeed marries that lovely young lady (4:13). On the other hand, a tragic foreboding hangs over the romance. The audience aches for sad Naomi, bereft of any heir, whose family may soon cease to exist. It prays for an answer, then celebrates with Naomi when the love story provides little Obed, the heir (4:14-15). At last Naomi has a son! That he turns out to be David’s grandfather (4:17) is an added bonus. The happy reader revels in the triumph of joy over tragedy!”
“Ultimately, however, this is a book about the ways of God in human life,” Hubbard notes. That subject, too, deeply concerns readers. He concludes:
“At first glance, they learn from the story how God provided ancient Israel with new leadership, the Davidic monarchy. At the same time, the tale touches them healingly in a tender spot. Mystified by the hiddenness of God – the absence of audible voices, visions, miracles in their own experience – they want to know God’s presence in their daily life. Their unvoiced dream is that their work and play, family and friendships might more than just mark time before eternity comes. They wish them to please the heart of God, to bring him glory, and to advance his plans. Here this story strikes a responsive chord in its audience. It portrays God as involved in life’s ordinary affairs; indeed, they are exactly the arena in which he chooses to operate. It describes how God works through, not despite, the everyday faithfulness of his people.”
In sum, “this book is literary art and theological insight at its finest.” Join us for this brief series beginning this Sunday and learn how your ordinary life can be caught up in the extraordinary story of Christ’s eternal Kingdom.
For His Glory,
Pastor Wayne
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