Lesson 1- Contentment
The famine that Naomi experienced both in Israel and in Moab stemmed from the family's moral depravation. They failed to accept and appreciate God's providence and went looking for an abundance that could satisfy their greed and not just their need. Ruth on the other hand chose to be content with her lot, accepted her widowhood and followed her mother-in-law into a foreign nation. She was praised for her actions.
Mat 6:31-32 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Jesus tells us to be content in our lot because God knows what we need and provides for them accordingly. That does not mean we do not go through famine, whether it be physical or moral. Every one faces crisis situations but relying on God can get us through it. We do not need to rely on anything or anyone else. Contentment comes from knowing the God we serve, not what He has done and may do.
Lesson 2- Priorities
Naomi prioritized the physical and financial well-being of her family and followed them into Moab. Ruth prioritized the emotional and social well-being of her family and chose to support her mother-in-law by following her to a foreign land where she had the likelihood of being treated like a second-class citizen. However, Ruth knew that Naomi would be comforted there and thus chose to cut off all ties with her own people so that Naomi could have emotional and social support.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Our priorities determine our spiritual well-being. Jesus asks us to seek first the Kingdom of God and the righteousness of God, not our material needs. This Kingdom, as Jesus further explains is established through two relationships-that with God, our maker and also with our neighbour, our fellow human beings. Ruth prioritised her relationships and her wedding vows over her personal well-being. Priorities are what allow us to choose God long after He has already chosen us.
Lesson 3- Acceptance
Depression is often a chronic condition. Sometimes the source of depression is circumstantial, sometimes physiological. In Naomi's case, the depression was circumstantial. She had suffered tremendous loss in a foreign land where she had no emotional or social support. She had to overcome the condition through acceptance of God's greater plan in her life. The process started with the realization of the existence of the kinsman redeemer. Naomi went from calling herself Mara to accepting Obed as the child whom she did not bear.
Rom 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
Death is always difficult to accept but living in God's will is a conditioned response. The human flesh does not wish to understand or conform to the dynamics of the spirit world. As far as the material world is concerned, science informs us that 95% of our physical universe is unknown to us in the form of dark matter and dark energy. If that be the case, then how can we even attempt to understand the spiritual realm which lies beyond human senses? We learn to accept God's will through faith and only by faith.
Lesson 4- Selflessness
Ruth served her husband's family with utter selflessness. She did not choose her own prosperity but rather chose the welfare of her aged mother-in-law. She did not choose to have a family of her own but accepted a husband in Boaz, a man much older than her, a kinsman of her father-in-law so that the name of her husband could be carried forward. She toiled ceaselessly and obeyed without question. She paints a picture of submissive virtue that is difficult to portray but easy to admire.
1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
It is easier to be selfless when it is a required code of conduct for Christian living. But that too comes with its own peril. The moment we desire to be selfless to be called selfless, some vested interest develops. Then the act no longer remains selfless. Luckily it is human nature to render evil for evil and therefore we need to be on a constant watch so that we end up doing good, not for our own interest but for the well being of others.
Lesson 5- Connections
Naomi returned to Bethlehem because she had no one in Moab. Ruth came to Bethlehem because she had Naomi there. Naomi was her one connection in Judah but that did not stop Ruth from forming new connections. She approached the women working in the fields and made introductions. She developed a good reputation for herself through the witness of people she had just met. That gave her a recommendation before Boaz who approached her with words of advice and assurance. Ruth formed connections that gave Naomi hope and that led to the family's redemption.
Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Ruth chose to bear Naomi's burden. Boaz chose to lighten Ruth's burden. But the help was not a one time thing. Ruth was a constant companion to Naomi and Boaz was a constant assurance to both the widows. Connections are not a one time thing. We need to not only build connections but strenthen them through communication. Jesus did not say that whenever you are in trouble reach out to others. St. Paul askes us to bear each other's burden. Search for those who need help so that when it is your turn to ask for help you have allies on your side. Nurture connections till they turn into relationships that honour God.
Lesson 6- Obedience
Ruth obeyed her marriage vows. She obeyed Boaz's instructions. She followed her mother-in-law's advice. She lived within the covenant of her husband's people. Ruth shows obedience in numerous ways and there is no mention of any outward reward that she receives for it. Often we are taught obedience as an action deserving of a reward. Ruth practices obedience as a virtue. However such obedience needs to come with an allied gift-discernment. We should be clear about what to obey and what not to obey. Otherwise, obedience can become a vice.
John 15:10-11 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Obedience to the word of God brings joy in our life. It is the opposite of sorrow or regret. When obeying God's word we do not need to rely on our own discernment. That is an assurance we need to strive for.
