Ruth

Ruth illustrates that we don't have to live in the world -- we don't have to take on worldly attitudes to get by.* Psalm 73 v. 17 and 23-24

Ruth 1: summaryBad, very bad things happen as a set up for something good. Details:

• Because of famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech moves his family to Moab, a Gentile area.
• Elimelech dies, his sons marry, sons die. Now there are three widows (after 10 years).
• Naomi is probably struggling to trust the Lord. Ruth vows to stay with Naomi. Naomi stops trying to convince Ruth to go back to Moab.
• Return to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. Naomi changes her name to Mara.

Sidenote on the meanings of names
Elimelech: my god is King
Naomi: pleasant (ness) Mara: bitter
Mahlon: sickly
Ch/Kilion: pining
Ruth: grace
Boaz: kinsman redeemer/in him is strength

Image: Naomi = Israel, married to God (Elimelech). Israel's sons, not men of godly strength. They were sickly and wasting away. Under testing (the famine) Israel left the place of blessing (Bethlehem) and the love of God dies (Elimelech). Bitterness makes Israel return with grace (Ruth/the church) to the place of blessing.