Ruth

Love Finds a Way

Ruth’s story begins in Moab
Because famine was in the land.
So, Elimelech and family
Left Bethlehem as they had planned.

Ruth soon married one of the sons,
But he died and left her alone,
Except for mother, Naomi.
Their love for each other had grown.

Naomi wanted to return
To her homeland for help and food.
Ruth asked to go along with her.
She had a loving attitude,

“Please do not urge me to leave you
Or ask me to turn back and stay
For wherever you plan to go,
I will go, so take me, I pray.

“I’ll follow wherever you lodge
And will reside along with you.
Your people will be my people,
And your God will be my God too.

“Wherever you die, I will die,
And there with you I’ll be buried.
May the Lord deal harshly with me
If apart from you I’m carried.”

So, they traveled to Bethlehem,
And Ruth became Boaz’s wife.
Now, because she obeyed with trust,
God would bless her all of her life.

She conceived, and she bore a son.
Everyone praised and thanked the Lord.
His name was Obed (a servant).
His lineage led to man’s reward.

He was the father of Jesse,
And Jesse was David’s father—
A line that would lead us to Christ,
Our Savior, salvation’s Author.
(Based on the Book of Ruth)

Ruth’s story is one of loss, loyalty, love, lineage – and hope!

• Loss – Ruth faced the loss of her husband, but she courageously went forward with her life and let God direct her path.
• Loyalty – Ruth remained loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and followed her to Bethlehem.
• Love – There was love between Ruth and Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, and Ruth and God.
• Lineage – Ruth is one of five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Ruth’s son, Obed, became the grandfather of King David of Israel.
• Hope – Boaz brought Ruth hope for a better life. Jesus brings us hope for a better life – eternal life.

The Book of Ruth encourages us to view our day-to-day lives as part of God’s bigger plan for us. I encourage you to pick up your Bible and read this wonderful story.