The Redemptive Story in Ruth

Last evening in our Sunday evening Bible study we looked at the plan of redemption as it is symbolized through the story and personalities found in the book of Ruth. Let me summarize our discussion for your consideration and input.

The story line is: Naomi, her husband and two sons move from Bethlehem to Moab because of a famine. Her two sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. In Moab Naomi's husband and two sons die. In desperation she moves back to Bethlehem and encourages her two daughter-in-laws to return to their Moabite families. Orpah does but Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi.

While in Bethlehem Ruth is encouraged to glean grain in a field owned by Boaz. Through a series of events Boaz becomes the kinsman redeemer for Naomi and Ruth. He becomes their provider and redeems their family position and name. The story ends with the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. What a wonderful story! So who do the personalities in the book of Ruth symbolize?

Ruth represents us (lost humanity) in the story. An outcast, a foreigner in a strange land. She had no hope. Much the same as our situation because of sin.

Boaz is a "type" of Jesus Christ in the story. He paid the price and redeemed Ruth and Naomi to a right standing. Rescuing them from their lost state.

Naomi symbolizes the Holy Spirit in the book of Ruth. She was the one who brought Ruth to Boaz. Without Naomi, Ruth would not have made her way back to Bethlehem, not been encouraged to glean in Boaz's field or understood the custom(s) that led to her redemption and matrimony. Thanks be to God for the Holy Spirit who is actively engaging us, wooing us to our Kinsman Redeemer - Jesus Christ.

The country of Moab represents our lost estate, a foreign land and false gods. Bethlehem symbolizes the "promised land" of Christ's salvation. The name Bethlehem means, "House of Bread." Through the leading of the Holy Spirit and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ we are able to dwell in the grace and mercy of God and feast upon the Bread of Life.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! The story of redemption is one we should never tire of hearing. Give God praise this day for Jesus and the sweet sweet Holy Spirit!

Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian