Ruth: A Story of God’s Redeeming LoveExemplo

You may have wondered why none of the verses for today’s study are from the book of Ruth. The simple answer is that the book of Ruth is not ultimately about Ruth. It is about Jesus. In Luke 24:27, Jesus tells the men with whom He is walking that all Scripture is about Himself. John 1 tells us that the Word was present with God in the beginning, and all things were created for and through the Word. In those verses, the Word refers to Jesus Christ. Thus, all Old Testament writings, including the story of Ruth, are ultimately about Jesus.

It also stands to reason that the book of Ruth cannot only be intended for women to study. If the book of Ruth is ultimately about Jesus, and all Scripture is “profitable for teaching and correction,” then indeed, God intended for all people to study it. The book of Ruth contains elements that cross all sections of society including men and women, rich and poor, racial disparity, and religious differences. We will see that the book of Ruth is a picture of God’s love and redemption portrayed in the lives of ordinary people. But God uses those people, imperfect and sinful as they are, to accomplish His will in their lives and bring His salvation to humanity.

One of the reasons that we study God’s Word is so that we can know God more intimately. Think about it. Since all Scripture is “breathed out by God,” it gives us an intimate view of Him. We will see how He orchestrates things to bring about His perfect will through His providence.

Providence is a theological word we sometimes encounter when studying the Bible. What exactly does it mean? Providence is how God takes care of His creation, especially His people. Our God is a God of circumstances and situations – the realm in which He interacts with His people. Since this is how God operates, we can trust His providential hand in our relationships, careers, ministries, marriages, parenting, and every other area of our lives.

In 1993, gospel singer Twila Paris released the song “God is in Control.” The first two lines of the chorus perfectly describe what happens in the book of Ruth: “God is in control. We believe that His children will not be forsaken.” God will not forsake His children. They may go through periods of pain and suffering, but He will not abandon them. One of the take-home points of the book of Ruth is that God is in sovereign control.

We can learn from the story of Ruth that, throughout the Bible, God allows us to see how He works and interacts with His people so we may understand and trust Him when we see Him doing similar things in our lives. Sometimes, bad things happen. But we can trust that He is in control and plans to work those events, by His will, for our good and His glory.

Just as the book of Ruth teaches us about God’s loving providence, it also teaches us about our need for a Savior. A critical theme of the book of Ruth is the need for a kinsman-redeemer, a role fulfilled by Boaz. Ruth and Naomi find themselves in desperate need of someone to save them from their immediate circumstances. While we see God answer their prayers and provide for their needs, He was working events to accomplish His will, fulfill prophecy, and provide redemption from sin that keeps man separate from Him. The extraordinary events of the book of Ruth lead to God’s ultimate salvation for man, Jesus Christ.