God takes a story that begins with tragedy and death, and ends it with joy and new life.  Note:

• Kinsman Redeemer – If a man in Israel died without a son, it was the responsibility of a relative to marry the man’s wife, and their first son would be counted as the deceased man’s child to continue the family line (Deuteronomy 25). Land sold or lost also had to be redeemed by a relative (Leviticus 25).  Boaz serves as a kinsman redeemer by marrying the deceased’s wife and buying the land.  Jesus took on flesh to become our kinsman, that he might redeem us from our spiritual poverty and make us his bride.
• God’s Grace – In the Old Testament, God had called Israel to be his people, but even then God was extending his grace to outsiders. Ruth is a wonderful example of this: she left her people and gods for the people of Israel and the true God (1:16), she found refuge under God’s wings (2:12), and she was so incorporated into God’s people that she became an ancestor of David and ultimately of Jesus himself.  How did God bring you, an outsider, to himself?
• God’s Providence – Naomi returned to Bethlehem bitter, but the story ends with joy. God is an expert at taking tragedies and bring good out of them.  What struggles are you facing?  Will you trust him?  Mourning comes for a time, but joy will follow.

After the depravity and apostasy of Judges, Ruth is a breath of fresh air and a reminder of how to live in dark times.  Observe:

• Loyalty – Ruth demonstrates an incredible loyalty to Naomi. Ruth leaves everything she knows in order to stay with her mother-in-law.  She goes out to glean to help provide for not only herself but also Naomi.  How loyal are you to your family?  To your friends?  To your church family?  Do you stick with them?  Are you there to help in difficult times?
• Care for the poor – Ruth gives us an example of one who needed the provision for the poor that God had set up in the Law. She goes to glean the leftovers from the field.  Boaz, who owns the field, shares God’s heart for the poor by encouraging her and helping her.  Do you have God’s heart for the poor?  How can you encourage and help those in need?
• Godliness – After the depravity and apostasy of Judges, the book of Ruth gives us a simple reminder that some people still followed the Lord during this otherwise dark time. Boaz is a wonderful example of a godly man, and Ruth of a godly woman.  Yet references to the danger of other men assaulting Ruth makes clear that not all of Bethlehem is like them.  Boaz and Ruth live for God among many who do not.  In our world, where many do not follow God, will you follow the example of Boaz and Ruth?