Life Lessons from the Book of RUTH

Ruth 4:18-22

Now these are the generations of Pharez…”

A ten-generation lineage from Pharez (Perez) to David. This was the royal line of the lion (ruling) tribe, Judah.

In conclusion:

The book of Ruth is not in the Bible by accident.

1. It gives a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Kinsman-Redeemer
2. It shows the results of wrong decisions and disobedience in the life of God’s people in the sad story of the move to Moab
3. It shows the loss that can result when a person fails, because of earthly attractions, to enter doors that God has opened to them. To Orpah, it meant the loss of eternal life. To the unnamed kinsman, it meant the loss of the opportunity to become the ancestor of the royal family and of the Messiah, an honor so desired by people of Israel
4. It shows how God can turn the picture around for His people when they make right decisions and are obedient to Him
5. It shows that lives that have been empty can, by God’s grace, become full again
6. It shows the value and results of industriousness, obedience in the family, kindness and love to others
7. It shows that our decisions and our daily lives will have lasting and eternal results. (“I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me” 1 Samuel 2:30; Ruth 2:12).
8. It is a graphic illustration of the truth of Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them (NLT).

Thank You, God, for giving us this story, for working in the lives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz so that I can see that what You have done for them You can do for me. Help me to trust You more, and, like Ruth, declare that You will be my God – with no reservations, no looking back. Amen.