Ruth 1-4: Good and Honorable People

Season 3 Episode 65

Good and Honorable People: The Story of Ruth

Today on the Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind, we journey through the complete Book of Ruth. Set during the era when judges ruled Israel, this narrative offers a refreshing contrast to some of the darker chapters of history we have recently covered. We witness a family displaced by famine, the tragedy of loss in a foreign land, and the unwavering loyalty of Ruth toward her mother-in-law, Naomi. Their return to Bethlehem marks the beginning of a beautiful story of restoration, centered around the fields of a man named Boaz.

Divine Direction and Integrity

One of the most striking aspects of the Book of Ruth is how clearly the Lord directs the paths of those who trust Him, even before they fully recognize His hand. Ruth, a Moabite foreigner, “just happened” to find herself gleaning in the field of Boaz, a close relative of Naomi’s late husband. This was no coincidence; it was divine providence. Throughout the story, we see characters defined by their integrity. From Boaz’s gracious greeting to his workers—”The Lord be with you”—to the restrained and honorable way he and Ruth handled the legalities of their eventual marriage, these are truly good and honorable people.

The Guardian Redeemer and the Messiah

The concept of the “Guardian Redeemer” is central to this history. Boaz stood ready to redeem Naomi’s land and care for Ruth, but he did so with careful respect for Hebrew law, ensuring a closer relative had the first right of refusal. When that relative declined, Boaz stepped in, securing the family line. This leads to a remarkable conclusion: Ruth, a Moabite woman, is officially joined to the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Much like the story of Perez we read previously, Ruth’s inclusion shows that God’s plan of redemption is inclusive and far-reaching, weaving together the lives of faithful people from all backgrounds.

Visionaries and Missionaries in Church History

In our church history segment for December 23, we look at two significant figures. In 1732, James Oglethorpe was finalizing his vision for Georgia as a haven for the worthy poor and persecuted, eventually opening the door for the ministries of the Wesleys and George Whitefield. We also remember Philip Kweku, born in 1741, who became the first African ordained as a priest in the Church of England. Serving as a missionary in his homeland of Ghana for over 50 years, Kweku proved that the gospel knows no borders. Their lives remind us that God calls laborers from every nation to tend His vineyard.

Connect and Support

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