Ruth

The book of Ruth is 4 chapters of one 
of my best stories. 
If you haven't read it, you can curl up
 with a cup of hot coffee or tea or a 
glass of red or white (my favourite) 
one evening and go over it. 
You won't put it down.
To me, that is the official  book of rules 
for the returning woman. 
So all my secondary virgins take a sit.
while I will not be giving  my version 
of a homily on the book of Ruth,
 I will however be taking us step by step 
through the whole book on the tips 
that are there to learn.

Brief history
Ruth was a moabite woman who 
became Naomi's daughter in-law 
and subsequently a widow following 
the death of Naomi's sons and husband.
By all laws, Ruth had the right to 
stay in her land when Naomi had to 
return to Judah. 
So why did Ruth end up falling into 
the lineage of Jesus Christ? 

1. Chapter 1:15-17 

Shows the depth of Ruth's loyalty and 
selflessness  "where you go, I will also, 
your God will be my God, your people
will be my people". 
 What a declaration of love!  
Without a prospect of another husband 
or inheritance, she still stood by Naomi. 
Now I know some people will dispute 
this on account of her being a "gentile", 
but  I like to think the Holy spirit was at 
work here. 
Prodding and nudging her along, 
more like him saying "girl, you better 
hold on to Naomi, cos God has got an 
amazing plan for you".  
Or probably her loyalty made heaven 
sit up and take note and God was 
like  "hmm, strange, but perfect, 
OK let her have a place in salvation's 
story".  Either way, Ruth signed an 
amazing contract with that one 
selfless act. 

Chapter 2:11-13 

People are always watching.
"did you see Naomi's daughter in law?  
She is beautiful, I wonder why she 
came back with Naomi ".
" she is hardworking and respectful"
How did I know this  because when 
Boaz met Ruth that was the deciding 
factor for him allowing her to glean 
from his field.  "we have heard all you 
have done for your mother-in-law and 
may God bless you" (para-phrased). 
Imagine if Ruth had "stormed" 
Judah  and dived right into the 
party scene,  I mean she is a  
"gentile" the rules didn't apply to 
her, and as a stunningly beautiful 
widow, well why should  she not 
"flex"  and have her share of the 
men?   And must she take care 
of her not so mother-in-law sef.?
Oh dear,  imagine how she would  
have ruined the great package 
coming in front. Heh. 
People are always  watching,  
taffia didn't start with us. 
The gossip vine is alive and healthy. 

Chapter 2:22, 3:1-6 

Listening to the elders.
And girl they know, your mama 
knows. For real.  
Naomi told Ruth how to glean the 
fields and on finding out the owner 
of the field?  She launched into 
one of the most successful 
matchmaking schemes in the 
Bible. 
Oh boy, she gave guidelines that 
I do find useful till this day.  
And Ruth being Ruth adhered to 
everything.  Verse 6 says " so she 
went to the threshing floor and 
did just as her mother-in-law had 
instructed her".
Another lesson from this part of 
the story is preparation.
Naiomi knew that despite Ruth's 
undeniable beauty, she wasn't 
going to catch Boaz "man"  eyes 
looking the way she did on the field, 
hence the extra preparation, 
(see Esther chapter 2).

Chapter 3:18
Reliability
So sure was Naomi of 2 things 
that she could almost predict the 
outcome of the genius plan...
1.Boaz will not harm Ruth in anyway 
and will protect her virtue
2. He will not rest till he finds a 
solution.
And boy did Boaz come through, 
true to his reputation.
Ohhhhhhh,  he immediately took 
up the case. 

Chapter 4:1-8

 The Art of Negotiations
As a sharp badt (good)  guy,  Boaz 
knew what he wanted : Ruth, the land 
was just an added benefit.  But he 
didn't have the direct right to Ruth. 
But he found a way.  And it worked. 
Just like that.  Hahaha.  
Next thing we know Ruth has found 
her self smack right in the most 
important lineage in Israel and 
subsequently salvation's story.
Ain't this one of the best stories 
ever.
And I think I can boldly say " 
and they lived happily  ever after"
What lessons did you learn from 
this book.