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Ruth – 5 Love Stories in 1
“Ruth” is not mainly about Ruth, not really, not as the main character. “Ruth” is about love, but again, Ruth and Boaz are not the main love story. They are being “acted upon” by a third party who is the central character in “Ruth” – Naomi. If Naomi is the central character in a love story, then is it possible the central love story involves Naomi? That love story is between Naomi and God. This is revealed through the story arc of redemption (4:14-17).
Underlying that main love story are several others, at least five love stories in one. What can these teach us? Let’s take them in order of appearance.
1. Naomi and Ruth (1:14,17) – The importance of family relationships, including through marriage, must be emphasized. Love, more than blood, makes a family.
2. Ruth and God (1:16) – “Friendship Evangelism” comes from us having an influence on others for God’s glory through our relationships. Who has come to God because of our love for them?
3. Ruth and Boaz (3:10) – Second chances at happiness through God’s ways is thrilling. Ruth finds widowhood is not necessarily the end. Plus, whether we view Boaz’s actions through the lens of duty more than romance, love has many motivations of expression.
4. Naomi and God (1:20;4:14-17) – Overcoming life’s disappointments by waiting on God is not easy. Naomi goes from bitterness to fulfillment. The baby from Boaz and Ruth is, by redemption, hers. Despite losing two sons, life goes on.
5. Jesus and the Church (Ephesians 2, 5) – In this we find Ruth represents Gentiles; and Naomi represents Jews. They become one through Boaz’s redemption. Even “Ruth” is about Jesus because everything is about Jesus. That is what He taught. Type and anti-type is a hidden gem instructing us of God’s Sovereignty within history.
In fact, the whole Bible is a love story. The surprising part to many is it includes an “ugly bride” made beautiful by Jesus’s love! Only Jesus can cleanse! You can be made pure.
• Ephesians 5:27 (CSB) He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.
The next time you read “Ruth”, count the ways love is being displayed. Who knows, maybe we can start living these love stories too! Maybe we already are!
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