Everyone loves an unlikely hero. Whether it’s sport or business or academia or social enterprise or some other sphere, we love to hear stories where someone, against all the odds, manages to persevere, overcome great challenges and succeed.
I think we love those stories for two reasons. Firstly, they inspire us – we would like many of the challenges in our lives to be overcome so we can realise our dreams. Secondly, they warm our hearts – we love the underdog, it’s part of our nature, and we’re glad that the good guys (the unsung heroes) sometimes win. Well, Ruth is a book about an unlikely hero…in fact everything about the book is unlikely. Let me explain.
(1) An unlikely situation (Chapter 1)
Ruth was written in the time of the Judges (Ruth 1:1) when Israel had no king and everyone did as they pleased (Judges 21:25). Israel was in a state of anarchy, with no leadership and no clear sign that God was with them. Additionally, as you read chapter 1 you encounter famine (in Israel), exile (to Moab), death (of Naomi’s husbands and sons) and a very bitter woman (Naomi). All hope seemed lost…and yet it wasn’t!
(2) An unlikely woman (Chapter 1)
Hope was not lost for Naomi because Ruth, a widowed Moabite makes an extraordinary commitment to her Jewish mother-in-law Naomi in returning to Israel. Ruth has nothing going for her on the face of things – she is widowed, she is in a foreign land and she has no close family around her. This all meant that (for a woman in her time) she had no protection, provision, security or status. The chances of re-marriage were slim to none. All hope seemed lost…and yet it wasn’t!
(3) An unlikely man (Chapter 2)
Hope was not lost because Boaz was a man of good character (moral integrity), a man of authority (he owned land and employed workers) and a man of wealth (he was rich). He was trying to follow God in a time when no-one else seemed to listen to God or follow God’s laws. Maybe he wondered whether following God’s ways and obeying the Old Testament laws about harvesting might be futile – as others around him seemed to. Additionally, he was getting on in years, and from what we can tell, was still not married, so the chances of finding a wife now weren’t great. All hope seemed lost…and yet it wasn’t.
(4) An unlikely marriage (Chapter 3)
Hope was not lost because Ruth was going to be brave enough to show him that she was interested in him and push him to make the decision to ask for her hand in marriage. Chapter 3 is one of the most provocative and daring chapters in the Bible. It involved alcohol, a beautiful woman and a romantic scene which would make a great Hollywood movie. But just as the tension rises and you think they might get together, they don’t…because there is someone else. There’s another relationship, a closer kinsman redeemer, who needs to considered. As ever Boaz does not get lost in the emotions, but does the right thing. Will the love affair have to end?…not yet.
(5) An unlikely outcome (Chapter 4)
Boaz is not only a man of moral integrity but very, very savvy and while he ensures that he gives permission to the nearer of kin he also ensures he wins Ruth for himself. The story does not end (as Hollywood would!) with their marriage but their baby, and it’s a child they would give to Naomi so she could be restored. The book ends not with Ruth and Boaz, but with Naomi and their baby. Naomi has a son who will sustain and provide and protect her in old age. But that is not all. The baby would become the grandfather of King David (who would re-establish peace in Israel) and in time, the genealogy of that baby would lead to Jesus (who would re-establish peace on earth and in the hearts of men).
Themes and Outline
The book of Ruth is a book that will win our hearts and point us to Jesus (which is what all the Old Testament should do!). Within it are some great themes which will continue to give us hope as we face challenging times, set-backs, loneliness and sufferings. We’ll learn about:
- The Sovereignty of God – how God is working behind the scenes in challenging circumstances
- Marriage & Singleness – how to make a good choice with regards a marriage partner…and how to make cross-cultural marriage work
- Trusting God – taking risks for his kingdom
- Faithfulness – staying faithful in the small things and trusting God with the big things
- Who God is – ultimately we’ll learn about a God who wants to take us under his wings of refuge and provide for us and care for us through Christ, our kinsman redeemer.
I cannot wait! I hope you can’t either. The series starts on Sunday 10th April and ends on Sunday 1st May. Please do join us at Synge Street Secondary School, 4.15pm for coffee.