PART ONE
Listen to Donna's recent study
Gospel LessonS in the book of ruth
Donna breaks down the story of Ruth, an extraordinary Old Testament book that tells a story of God's loving kindness and redemptive love for the helpless and the outsider, as well as the virtue of those who model his character in practical acts of compassion.
In this episode, we see this same family face great tragedy. The story now revolves around Naomi, a broken and distraught Israelite woman who grapples with grief and suffering. In her fractured and weak faith, Naomi asks why God comes against her like an enemy. As we unpack Naomi’s theology on suffering, which is similar to that of Job’s, and if we are honest, to many of us, Naomi questions God’s goodness and fairness. Once we recognize that God loves us and is not against us, we begin to trust that he uses our pain and suffering to grow us, test us, sanctify us, and to redeem us from utter despair, as we will see Him do for Naomi. Once again, we have the opportunity to witness God extend his great loving-kindness and grace to those who are undeserved.
PART TWO
In this episode, Naomi decides to return home when she learns Bethlehem has food again. While Naomi resists Ruth accompanying her, Ruth radically pledges loyalty to Naomi and Israel's God. Ruth's faith in Yahweh translates into a new identity and purpose. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, what might seem like a strike of luck, God's providential hand leads Ruth to the field of Elemilech's relative. When Ruth requests to glean behind the reapers, Boaz notices her boldness and unequivocal loyalty to her mother-in-law and Yahweh. Boaz extends extravagant kindness to Ruth, a beautiful picture of Jesus' kindness to us.
PART THREE
In this episode, Ruth, overwhelmed with humble gratitude, prostrates herself in a posture resembling biblical worship in response to Boaz's kindness. Naomi reveals to Ruth that Boaz is one of their kinsman redeemers, prompting Naomi to devise a very risky and dangerous plan. The plan involves Ruth venturing off to the threshing floor at night and making questionable gestures, hoping Boaz would propose marriage to her. Scholars offer many interpretations of this provocative scene, but Ruth and Boaz maintain their integrity throughout as Ruth speaks God's Word over Boaz. It is there that Boaz admits he is one of her redeemers, but there is one who comes before him.
PART FOUR
In this final episode, Boaz confronts the other redeemer, the closer relative to Elimelech. This unnamed relative is unwilling to make the necessary sacrifice for redemption. Boaz was willing to redeem Naomi's property and marry Ruth. Boaz was sacrificially willing. We can't help but consider the sacrifice Jesus made to redeem us. Redemption also requires the satisfaction of the law. The first redeemer transferred his sandal to Boaz, a custom symbolizing Boaz can now stand in his place and purchase Ruth. We are reminded of how Jesus stood in our place and purchased us. God blessed Boaz and Ruth's marriage union with a child named Obed, who became Naomi's redeemer! Ruth, Boaz, and Obed became ancestors of a ruling dynasty. Obed was the grandfather to King David.
PART FIVE
