God Is the Central Character in the Book of Ruth

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I will bless you… and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Genesis 12:2,3

Right from the start we need to understand that the lives, loves, and losses of these ordinary people are woven into God’s hidden plan to bring blessing to the world. This story is about Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. But the central character is God Himself. Everything good comes from His hand, and we will see three truths about Him.

God cares about ordinary people. The book of Ruth is sandwiched between Judges and 1 Samuel, which are both concerned with national and international crises. In the middle is the story of ordinary people who matter to God as much as any king. God cares about people who struggle to make a living, face difficult choices, are anxious about their children, and want to do the best they can.

God is at work even in the worst of times. We will see that Naomi and Ruth return to the Promised Land. Ruth marries Boaz and God gives them a child. The story begins with Naomi weeping but ends with Naomi rejoicing with the baby in her arms. This baby will be the grandfather of King David, and into his line, the Lord Jesus Christ will be born. God’s big-picture purpose is to bring blessing to the world.

God works through the kindness of His people. God blessed Ruth through the example of Naomi, God blessed Naomi through the kindness of Ruth, God blessed Ruth through the kindness of Boaz, and God blessed Boaz through the initiative of Naomi.

God works for and through these people. Each one receives blessings from the others. And each one brings blessings to the others. Their faith, hope, and love shine like a light in the darkness. God works through the kindness of His people.

Who is the Naomi you can befriend and comfort? Who is the Ruth you can help and provide for? Who is the Boaz you can strengthen and encourage?