What I’m Still Learning From Ruth’s Story

I’ve always thought of Ruth as a biblical woman of influence. She is the female equivalent of Nehemiah: determined, obedient, patient, and faithful.

This has been a rough year for my family and I.

Although I’ve tried to honestly embrace the trial, and allow the Lord to lead me through it, I haven’t been able to do it as gracefully as I’d like. These last few weeks particularly, I’ve found myself feeling more like Naomi, when my goal has always been to be more like Ruth.

As my family and I cling to Jesus more than ever before, there are some key things I’m still learning from Ruth’s story.

Ruth’s story is one of loyalty.

During a time of famine in the land of Bethlehem, Elimelech, his wife Naomi and their two sons moved to the land of Moab; where their sons took on Moabite women as their wives. Sometime later, Elimelech and both of his sons passed away, leaving behind, three widows, without an inheritance.

In her anguish, Naomi resolves to move back to her homeland, bitter and alone.

Naomi instructs her newly widowed daughters-in-law; Orpah and Ruth, to return to their mother’s homes, and begin new lives. At first, both women protest, and promise to stay at Naomi’s side, for their home was with her. However after further pressure, Orpha complies, and returns to her family home (Ruth 1:6-14).

Ruth on the other hand, stands firm in her commitment to Naomi, and holds fast.

Entreat me not to leave you,
Or toturn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything butdeath parts you and me.
Ruth 1:16 and 17 (NKJV)

Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law was so great, she opted to abandon her own people, and even her own mother, to follow Naomi.

Ruth’s story is one of love.

When we think of love in Ruth’s story, we often think of the romantic love between Ruth and Boaz, this is after all a beautiful love story.

However, let’s focus on the sometimes unlikely love between mother-in-law and daugther-in-law. Ruth had left her own mother to be with Naomi. Her decision to accompany her, had not only been driven by loyalty, it was also driven by love.

Ruth’s story is one of obedience.

In one of the strangest passages of scripture, Naomi, without much of an explanation instructs Ruth to lay at the feet of Boaz, and wait for his instructions.

“… Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.”

And she said to her, “All that you say to me I will do.”
Ruth 3:3-5 (NKJV)

Because of the unconditional loyalty and love, Ruth has for Naomi, she promptly obeys without question.

Ruth’s story is one of redemption.

When the land of Moab is mentioned in scripture, it is often done so in contrast to Israel. It was the land of pagan gods, a land of sinners and the un-repented.

Ruth, was a Moabite, a foreigner, an unbeliever; yet the grace of the Israelite God was poured upon her. While living in Moab, and despite Naomi’s bitterness, Ruth had learned about the One True God. She was not only redeemed, she also became a biblical woman of influence!

Ruth’s loyalty, love and obedience to her mother in law, had changed the very things that a man like Boaz, would have rejected. And Boaz, the wealthy land owner and distant relative, redeemed not only Ruth, but the bitter Naomi.

What I’m Still Learning From Ruth’s Story

Earlier, I mentioned we’ve been experiencing serious a season of trials.

I share this, not because I want your pity, but because the Lord has been present even in the midst of these trials.

He has shown me mercy, despite my occasional bitterness. He has shown me He is faithful, despite my lack of patience. He has shown me love despite my complaining.

If you, like me are relating more to Naomi, than Ruth, I urge you to stand with me and remember the mercy, faithfulness, and love our Savior offers us. Don’t allow the bitterness and the why me attitude to stand in the way of the blessing the Father is pouring upon you.

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Tatiana Rivera

Tatiana is a homeschool mom, writer, speaker, entrepreneur, web & graphic designer, bibliophile and compulsive organizer.

She co-hosts the Charlotte Mason Inspired Conferences, CMI Mother's School, as well as the Charlotte Mason Inspired Podcast writes about motherhood, home education, and organized living, at PurposefulMotherhood.com and owns ScarletDigital.io, a full-service creative agency, which provides design, management, branding and more.

Latest posts by Tatiana Rivera (see all)

• Hannah and The Fulfillment of Fervent Prayer - May 29, 2018
• What I’m Still Learning From Ruth’s Story - May 16, 2018