The Story of Ruth | Sermon by Father.Mungamuri Devadasu

The Book of Ruth is a significant biblical narrative that unfolds in four key stages:

1. Migration to a Foreign Land
2. Sorrow and Loss in Moab
3. Return to the Homeland
4. The Story of Redemption

A Jewish man named Elimelech took his wife, Naomi, and moved to Moab due to a famine in Israel. They lived there for ten years (Ruth 1:1). This story takes place during the time of the Judges, a period of instability and hardship. The Israelites were instructed not to include Moabites in their assembly (Deuteronomy 23:3-5).

After a decade, Naomi heard that God had provided food for Israel, prompting her to return. Just as Moses reaffirmed God's teachings in Deuteronomy, this story serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness. Naomi’s journey begins with famine, leads to exile, and ultimately returns to restoration.

Key Conversations between Ruth and Naomi

1. Ruth declared, "Where you go, I will go."
2. "Your God will be my God."
3. "Your people will be my people."

The most significant statement in Ruth's commitment is: "Your God is my God." This declaration of faith and loyalty is why the Book of Ruth holds a cherished place in the Bible.

Naomi’s Return and Ruth’s Marriage

After Naomi returned to her homeland, the people continued to call her Naomi, but she insisted, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara" (Ruth 1:20), signifying her sorrow. Along with Naomi came her young widowed daughter-in-law, Ruth.

There is an ongoing debate in society: Can a widow remarry? Some argue that men can remarry, but women cannot. However, Christians refer to the Book of Ruth, where Ruth, a widow, remarried according to biblical tradition.

Boaz and Ruth’s Marriage

• Boaz was unmarried at the time.
• Ruth was a widow who later bore children.
• When Naomi and Ruth returned from Moab, people acknowledged Naomi’s presence, but Boaz was not mentioned initially. Why? Because Boaz was away at war and not in the land at that time.

A Unique Marriage Tradition

In Jewish law, if a man dies without children, his brother could marry the widow to preserve the family lineage (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). This was written by Moses as part of the Levirate marriage law.

Boaz's marriage to Ruth was unusual but honourable.

• He was a young man, and during that period, military service was common.
• Boaz had been away at the Midianite war, which is why he was not present when Naomi and Ruth first arrived.

This tradition, though unconventional, was a sacred and lawful union, ensuring that Ruth and Naomi found security, redemption, and restoration.

The Redemption and Legacy of Ruth

The concept of redemption in this story refers to preserving a family’s lineage. Boaz acted as a kinsman-redeemer to uphold the name of his relative, ensuring that the family line continued.

A Marriage Approved by All

Before the birth of Jesus Christ, Jews were expected to marry only within their own community and not with foreigners. However, in Ruth’s case, the Jewish elders approved her marriage to Boaz, making it a unique and extraordinary event.

This story is remarkable because:

• A widow was chosen for marriage by an unmarried man—a rare occurrence.
• Despite strict Jewish customs, Ruth, a Moabite, was accepted into Israelite society.
• The Jews believed that the Messiah should come from a pure Jewish lineage, yet they accepted Ruth, a foreigner, into their community because it was part of God’s divine plan.

Why Were the Moabites Cursed?

The Moabites were cursed because they hired Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22-24). However, despite being a Moabite, Ruth became a part of God’s redemptive plan.

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

At the end of the Book of Ruth, we see the genealogy of Boaz leading to Jesus Christ:

• Boaz fathered Obed
• Obed fathered Jesse
• Jesse fathered David
• David’s lineage eventually led to Jesus Christ

This genealogy is the reason the Book of Ruth was included in the Bible—to show how God’s grace extended beyond Israel and included even a Moabite woman in the lineage of Christ. Through Ruth’s faith, she became an ancestor of Jesus.

Law vs. Grace

• Moses represented the Law, which excluded foreigners from Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3-5).
• Jesus Christ represented Grace, which welcomed all who believed.
• The Law rejected outsiders, but Grace brought them into God’s family.

Ruth’s Spiritual Identity

Physically, Ruth was a Moabite, but spiritually, she became part of the tribe of Judah through her faith and commitment to God.

The Only Two Books Dedicated to Women in the Bible

Among all the books in the Bible, only two focus entirely on women:

1. The Book of Ruth
2. The Book of Esther

This highlights how God values and honours women. The Bible does not diminish women but rather elevates their role in His divine plan.

A Foreigner Becomes Part of God’s People

Ruth was originally a Moabite, yet she became part of God’s chosen people.
Her story is a testament to how faith, not ancestry, determines one’s place in God’s kingdom.

Ruth and Esther: A Divine Plan of Unity

The Book of Ruth and the Book of Esther illustrate how God unites different people for His divine purpose:

• Ruth – A Moabite who married Boaz, a Jew.
• Esther – A Jewish woman who married King Ahasuerus, a Gentile.

God brought Ruth from Moab into Israel to fulfill His plan of bringing forth a Redeemer. The Jews traditionally believed, "We are God's chosen people," but Ruth’s story reveals that God’s redemptive plan includes both Jews and Gentiles.

The Bride of Christ: A Union of Jews and Gentiles

The concept of the Bride of Christ includes:

1. The Living Believers
2. The Departed Saints

The Book of Ruth was written to foreshadow that both Jews and Gentiles would be united in God’s salvation plan. The prophet Samuel recorded this book to highlight this divine truth.

Ruth’s Love for Naomi over Boaz

Unlike conventional love stories, Ruth did not marry Boaz out of romantic love. Instead, her devotion to Naomi influenced her decision. Rather than seeking personal gain or security through marriage, Ruth remained steadfast in her commitment to her mother-in-law. Her selfless love and loyalty led her to become part of the lineage of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that faith and obedience—not nationality—determine one’s place in God's plan.

Mother-in-Law vs. Daughter-in-Law: A Modern Struggle

In many families today, tensions often arise between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. One major cause is power struggles. Mothers-in-law may try to assert authority over their sons' households, while daughters-in-law seek independence and the freedom to build their own families. This clash of roles can create ongoing friction.

Another common issue is the lack of mutual respect. When both parties fail to appreciate each other’s perspectives, misunderstandings and conflicts become inevitable. Ruth and Naomi serve as a powerful example of how love and respect can bridge generational and relational gaps.

Additionally, a lack of love and harmony within the household can strain relationships. A strong marriage, built on love and respect, ensures a peaceful home. When a husband and wife are united in their relationship, their families are less likely to be divided by external conflicts.

Biblical Wisdom for Families

The Bible emphasizes the importance of peace and harmony in family relationships. Mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law should support and respect each other rather than competing for control or influence. Likewise, husbands and wives should honour and cherish one another, ensuring that their home is a place of love and unity.

A household built on faith, love, and mutual respect will thrive in righteousness. Ruth’s story teaches that true blessings come not from status or personal ambition but from selflessness, faithfulness, and unity. Through her example, families can learn the value of love and devotion in creating a lasting legacy in God's kingdom.

The Bond between Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law: A Lesson from Ruth

In some foreign cultures, mothers-in-law do not interfere in their daughters-in-law’s lives, as one nobleman once observed. However, regardless of cultural differences, the story of Naomi and Ruth teaches that love, mutual respect, and affection should exist between them. This love should be reciprocal, just as husbands and wives should share equal affection and understanding.

Though the story of Ruth may seem like a simple tale, it is God’s divine plan recorded in the Bible. Any family where love and respect exist between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is truly blessed.

Dr. Samuel Johnson’s Perspective on the Book of Ruth

Dr. Samuel Johnson, the famous English lexicographer, once visited a club where people mocked the Bible, calling it a book for the idle. In response, he wrote down the story of Ruth on a piece of paper and read it aloud while they ate and drank.

After listening, they praised the story, calling it beautiful and heartwarming. When Dr. Johnson revealed that it was from the Bible, they were astonished and deeply moved.

The Importance of Love and Affection in Families

The Book of Ruth is not just a historical account but a lesson on love, family, and faith:

• Mutual respect between in-laws strengthens families.
• A loving and respectful marriage is the foundation of a stable home.
• The Bible teaches that households built on love, understanding, and faithfulness are truly blessed.

Through Ruth’s story, we learn that family life should be rooted in love and unity. Whether in-laws or spouses, everyone should cherish and nurture their relationships to create a harmonious and blessed home.