The Book of Ruth

Ever read a book of the Bible and thought you knew the whole story, but then you "discovered" a new verse? I did, and it brought joy to my heart tonight! And it just so happens I was reading one of the top books in the Bible and that is the book of Ruth!

The verses that God spoke to me were found in : Ruth 2:10, Ruth 2:12,  Ruth 2:13, Ruth 2:19, Ruth 3:9, Ruth 3:10-11 and Ruth 4:14-15.

Ruth 2:10 says, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me - a foreigner?"

Ruth 2:12 says, "May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have to take refuge."

Ruth 2:13 says, "May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord.", she said. "You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant - though I do not have the standing of one of your servants."

Ruth 2:19 says, "Her mother-in-law asked her, Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!"

Ruth 3:9 says, "Spread the corner of your garmet over me since you are a guardian redeemer of our family."

Ruth 3:10-11 says, "The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the perople of my town know that you are a woman of noble character."

Ruth 4:14-15 says, "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a guardian redeemer. May he be come famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth."

Wow, I am very honored to share a name with such a humble beautiful woman of the Bible! Why do I love this book? One of the reasons is that Boaz is the guardian-redeemer in his family. When Ruth asks him why would he find favor in the eyes of a foreigner, it reminded me of Jesus! He is our Guardian-Redeemer! When we were sinners or "foreigners", He found favor in each and everyone of us! When Ruth also asked Boaz to "spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer", that reminded me of why Jesus came! He came to die and to cover us with His blood and grace. Ruth also tells Naomi, that her guardian-redeemer "will renew your life and sustain you in your old age." Jesus came to renew and give us life and to strengthen us!

Also another reason why I love the book of Ruth, is that to me it honors purity. Boaz tells Ruth, "This kindness is greater than that which you showered earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all that you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character." Ruth wasn't running and hunting down guys, instead she was waiting on God to bring him to her. She was trusting God to write her love story. Because she kept pure and trusted God, she was know as the woman of noble character! In the Message version of the Bible, it says, she was known for being a courageous woman-a real prize! The love Boaz had for Ruth was so true, genuine and beautiful!

Girls, be a Ruth! Be a woman of noble character! Let God write your love story! Wait for your Boaz so that you can experience the true love that was meant for you and you alone!