INTRODUCTION
In Chapter one of the book of Ruth, we see a man who lives his home country to go and sojourn in another country. This mans name is Elimelech and the name of his sweetheart is Naomi. This couple had two sons whose name were Mahlon and Chilion and these names meant sick and dying. So we see that these are not good names to give to your children.
Elimelech and his wife had left Bethlehem in Judah to go and live in Moab because there was a famine in Bethlehem. They went to live in the country of Moab and they remained there.
The purpose of Elimelech’s escape to Moab was to prevent his family from dying of poverty in Bethlehem. Bethlehem means house of bread. So we see a situation were there is no bread in the house of bread. It is like saying there is no water in the river, or saying there is no water in the ocean. It really takes the punishment of God to experience such a phase in life.
Moab, on the other hand was a very wicked sexually immoral city like Durban. They worshipped a God of fertility whom they called Chemosh (kimosh). You see Elimelech was not a very prudent man because he took his wife from a people who feared God and went and settled with her amongst Satanists. He took his family away from the fellowship of the believers to go and dwell amongst a people with no fear of God. This is disastrous for ones spirituality. Elimelech went to settle amongst a godless people and his children ended up marrying godless women. Please note that your children will marry what you set in front of them.
Elimelech left Bethlehem so that he might not die but right their, amidst plenty of food to eat and plenty of immorality to choose from, Elimelech died. Not only did Elimelech die but his children Mahlon and Chilion died as well. Elimelech and his sons died so that God could begin working in someone’s life.
Ruth’s Conversion
Ruth 1:15-18. Ruth chose to follow Naomi because she was loyal to Naomi. God is always there waiting to award loyalty. Do you want to see the hand of God? Respect and be loyal to servants of God. Ruth stood with Naomi amidst a tough time.
Ruth’s work Ethic (2:2)
Ruth was new in Bethlehem and she had all the rights just to be sleeping and doing whatever she wanted whenever she wanted. But Ruth had a work ethic! She desired to work so that she could take care of her mother in law who was old. Ruth was a foreigner in this land but she did not let that status to keep her indoors instead she left without worrying what might happened to her to go and work in the field of Boaz. This was the field of Ruth’s divine connection.
Meeting Boaz (2:4)
Boaz was a rich wealthy man who feared God and his workers enjoyed working for him. Imagine your boss comes to work and instead of shouting at you for the many things you have done right he blesses you!
Whilst blessing his servants he saw a fine young woman (2:5) and he inquired, “Whose young woman is this!!!!”
Someone is going to inquire about your life. Someone from somewhere, someone you have never met before is busy right now inquiring about you! Some one is ready wanting to bless you and that some is your connection. God’s Providence brought Boaz into Ruth’s life! Elimelech and his sons had to die for Ruth to be blessed. Elimelech and his sons had to die for Boaz to be blessed.
Ruth 2:10, Boaz approached Ruth without fear without a Revelation but with wisdom. Firstly before he approaches her he warns his young men not to hurt her. You don’t touch the woman you boss is interested in if you are to keep your job. Boaz approached Ruth and Ruth did not jump on Boaz and began to sing (Lesa uwasukaaaa eLesaaaaaa) no! She inquired, ‘why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me.’ Boaz explained his reasons for loving this woman. From his explanation it looks like he had heard about Ruth from around the community. Boaz was Ruth’s redeemer.
Ruth Redeemed
Ruth 4:10 – God will never leave the people he loves alone he has got a Boaz for each one of us. May you pray today that your Boaz will not delay, pray that your redeemer may come at a time you least we least expect them. Boaz did not find a bathed up Ruth. He found a woman who was all dirty because she was working in the fields. God will remember you from wherever you are and in whatever you are doing!
Ruth became the mother of Obed who was the father of Jesse who was the father of David. Jesus Christ was born in a genealogy of Ruth a Moabite. God will raise you to be a blessing to many nations. He will raise you to deliver people.
Amen
