The Unexpected Lives Of Ruth

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

The Book of Ruth starts out one way and ends up much differently. Naomi - expected to stay in Israel her whole life, see her sons marry Israelites, and give her grandchildren. Ruth- probably expected to remain in Moab, marry a Moabite and live and die that way. Boaz - undoubtedly expected to marry an Israelite, but then he got older and probably thought he wouldn't marry at all. Then Naomi moves to Moab, her sons marry Moabites, and her husband and sons die. Ruth marries a foreigner who dies. Then Ruth returns with Naomi to Israel where Boaz is now an older man, expecting never to marry. But the old bachelor marries, Ruth becomes an Israelite, and the bereaving Naomi is comforted and rejoices. Nobody's life went as planned. So, too, if you follow God, your life may not go according to your plans. But God's plans are better. He never promises a perfect picket fence life. He promises a redeemed life. It will turn out better than your plans for a "perfect life". Go God's way, for His way is better, and His life is better than what you planned.

From Message #468 - Ruth and Boaz