I love the book of Ruth as it teaches a biblical truth that we may overlook in our own lives at times. God’s providence.

Providence is God using natural events to effect a supernatural outcome. He arranges things for us. Especially when we are following, honoring and loving him.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭

Ruth’s refusal to leave Naomi reminds me of the story in John where Jesus is speaking about spiritual truths that are hard to comprehend and many disciples turn from him, but the twelve stay.

“Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”” John‬ ‭6‬:‭67‬-‭69‬ ‭

Peter’s reply to Jesus was identical to Ruth’s to Naomi.

“But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.” Ruth‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭

Ruth had no way of knowing what her future would hold as she left her home in Moab to go to Naomi’s home in Bethlehem. She must have had so much uncertainty, but how beautifully things unfolded. Evidence of providence.

Another theme in Ruth was a story of redemption. Boaz was a type of Christ in the book of Ruth. Boaz redeemed Ruth. He paid the price needed to take her under his wing. To care for her. To give her a future and ultimately an heir to carry on the family name. Jesus would come from this lineage.

God is so cool. He uses the most unlikely to showcase His glory. He uses the one whose heart is pure and good in order for the world to get a glimpse of who He is.

We also have a redeemer. Jesus. He paid the ultimate price for our sin. We will walk the streets of gold one day. Heaven will be our home. Even though this life can be difficult, we have something to be hopeful about. Heaven.