The refreshment of Ruth

We're finally back to our OT study! I apologize for the long break between posts - with our traveling this Christmas serious blogging had to be set aside. Now that we're home, unpacked, and (relatively) sane, we can pick up where we left off! This will be our only post on Ruth. Most people are probably somewhat familiar with the book, and it's a quick and enjoyable read, so please take some time to read it in your own Bible or at Biblegateway.com. Since it's been a while, you may also want to revisit our Judges wrap-up.

Why are we still referring to Judges, you ask? The text itself directs us to do so! Check out Ruth 1:1, "In the days when the judges ruled..." So what?

The book begins with sad irony; there is a famine in Bethlehem - Bethlehem actually means "the house of bread." Naomi points out that she left full and has been brought back empty. Noami means "pleasant," and she asks to be called Mara, or "bitter." So, now we find two widows journeying back to Israel alone.

If you think back through our survey of Judges, we saw repeatedly the increasing degradation of women throughout the book - it is important to note that this occurs during the same time period! After reading Judges, what might you fear would be the outcome for these two defenseless women? Thankfully, this book offers us a much different story.

All through Ruth, we have a model of masculinity in Boaz that is very much in contrast with the preceding book. He is a giver, a server of those even beneath his own social status. Every time Ruth comes to him empty, and he sends her away full. Notice even the way his workers greet him when he meets them in the fields! Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!" "The LORD bless you!" they called back. (Ruth 2:4) He always refers to Ruth with utmost tenderness and respect, and seeks to spare her any embarrassment or disgrace. God uses one godly man to preserve and bless both Naomi and Ruth, and then we find at the conclusion of the book that he would become the great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather of King David. (and therefore Jesus is in his line, as well!)

In the Judges wrap-up, we observed the following:
We were created in the image of God. We were meant to be rational and relational beings, created to rule over the earth as stewards, and given the capacity as men and women to glorify God and picture His relationship with mankind through marriage and proper sexual relationship. As mankind plunges into sin and refuses to fear the Lord, we turn into animal-like beings who are irrational, selfish, sexually perverted, and destructive and abusive to one another and everything around us.

Samson is a perfect example of perverted masculinity, and unfortunately, he probably fits better with most people's mental image of a "manly man." He's big and gruff and strong, takes what he wants, uses women as objects, humiliates his enemies. Boaz shows us a picture of masculinity, although still fallen, operating in right relationship with God and others. Rather than seeking to get, he gives. Rather than using his power to abuse, he loves and cares for others. Rather than oppressing, he gives freedom to those around him.

Ruth is also a beautiful picture of godly femininity; she is strong but tender, willing to sacrifice everything to follow the God she knows to be true, a self-starting thinker who serves and submits herself to those in authority over her, a grateful woman who is undemanding and humble. We saw women in Judges using their nurturing capacity in order to take away life, but Ruth gives life to the people around her.

As discussed in Ephesians 5, wives and husbands picture the relationship of Christ and the church. Ruth epitomizes the humble, submissive spirit that all believers must have when we approach our Savior and Lord, and she plays it out for us on a human level in her interactions with Boaz. "I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer." (Ruth 3:9)

I know that Christians are all over the map when it comes to understanding and accepting God-given gender roles. Wherever you are on that journey, take the book of Ruth to heart today. When you consider masculinity and femininity in our general culture, we are obviously more in line with the book of Judges. How about in our modern church? Which do we line up with more? How about in your own life? Are you a Jael or a Ruth? A Samson or a Boaz?

Please don't skim over it lightly - your answer to that question radically impacts the direction of your life, our churches, our world. God has worked deeply in my heart in recent years about this issue, so if you're struggling with the thought I understand! But, please don't underestimate the high calling we have as women, as wives, and mothers! God grant us the grace to trust You more!

This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:32-33