TEASER – THE BOOK OF RUTH
A story of hope, devotion, and divine providence
In the midst of a dark period in Israel’s history – when the people were marked by confusion, moral decay, and spiritual apathy – a small book shines like a ray of hope: The Book of Ruth.
What at first seems like a minor note in the Old Testament turns out, upon closer look, to be one of the most moving and meaningful narratives in the entire Bible. It is the story of a young woman – a foreigner, a widow, a Moabite – who leaves everything behind to turn to the God of Israel. Her famous words, “Where you go I will go… your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16), stand to this day for radical loyalty and determined faith.
But the Book of Ruth is more than a personal testimony of faith. It is a deep theological statement:
-
About God’s hidden guidance, which often becomes visible only in hindsight.
-
About the power of relationships shaped by mercy, loyalty, and respect.
-
About the role of seemingly insignificant people in the great plan of redemption.
For Ruth’s story does not end with a happy ending just for herself. Her descendants make history – literally. Her great-grandson is King David. And through his line comes the One toward whom the whole Bible points: Jesus Christ.
❝ In Ruth’s devotion to Naomi, in Boaz’s grace toward Ruth, in God’s sovereign action over everything – we encounter the gospel in the Old Testament. ❞
Why the Book of Ruth is relevant today
-
For all who have experienced loss and new beginnings.
-
For all who feel foreign or forgotten.
-
For all who wonder whether faithfulness and belief still matter in a selfish world.
-
For all who want to learn how God writes history – through ordinary people who trust Him.
The message of the Book of Ruth
The Book of Ruth is a shining jewel in the midst of a dark time. It takes place “in the days of the judges” – in an era marked by chaos, apostasy, and confusion. And yet it tells a story of faithfulness, hope, and divine providence.
Ruth is not a judge, not a prophetess, not a queen – but a foreign widow. And yet her story powerfully reveals how God works quietly to accomplish His great plans.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
1. What is the Book of Ruth?
The Book of Ruth is the eighth book of the Bible and belongs to the so-called “Megillot” (festival scrolls).
It takes place during the time of the Judges – between Joshua and Samuel. It consists of only four chapters, yet is rich in depth and meaning. The main characters are: Ruth, Naomi, Boaz – and God, who mostly acts in the background.
Main storyline:
-
A family flees famine to Moab.
-
The father and both sons die – the widow Naomi remains with two Moabite daughters-in-law.
-
Ruth decides to return to Israel with Naomi.
-
In Bethlehem, a new chapter begins – through loyalty, hard work, and divine guidance.
-
Ruth marries Boaz – and becomes part of the royal line from which David and later the Messiah will come.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
2. Main themes and core messages
Faithfulness in crisis
Ruth shows radical devotion:
“Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
She leaves her homeland, family, and gods – to follow Naomi and the God of Israel.
Message:
True love shows itself not in words, but in decisions.
God’s quiet providence
No miracles occur in the Book of Ruth – and yet God is felt everywhere.
He leads Ruth to Boaz, opens doors, provides – all in everyday life.
Message:
God often acts invisibly, but He is never absent.
Grace for outsiders
Ruth is a Moabite – and yet God welcomes her. She becomes part of Israel’s story.
Message:
God’s salvation is for all people, regardless of background or past.
The power of decisions
Naomi could have sent Ruth away. Ruth could have chosen the easier path.
Boaz could have ignored his responsibility.
But all of them make courageous, God-honoring choices.
Message:
God’s plan often unfolds through faithful decisions made by ordinary people.
The lineage of the Messiah
The book ends with a genealogy – from Boaz to David.
Ruth – a Moabite widow – becomes part of the royal line that leads to Jesus.
Message:
God uses the small and unexpected to bring about great things.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
3. The spiritual message for today
1. Your background does not limit your calling
Ruth was a foreigner – but God made her a mother of Israel.
No matter where you come from: God can write history with you.
2. God works greatly through everyday faithfulness
Ruth was not famous or powerful – she was simply faithful.
God sees your small steps of devotion.
3. Hope often begins in darkness
The book begins with death, hunger, loneliness – but ends with blessing, love, and life.
God’s ways lead through suffering to redemption.
4. Even in dark times, God writes stories of light
The time of the Judges was spiritually dark – but God was at work.
God does not need ideal circumstances to act.
5. Christ – our Boaz
Boaz is a “redeemer” – a picture of Jesus, our Redeemer, who saves us, honors us, and brings us into His family.
Ruth’s story is part of the gospel.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
4. Key verses
Ruth 1:16 – “Where you go I will go… your God will be my God.” Ruth 2:12 – “May the Lord repay you for what you have done… under whose wings you have sought refuge.” Ruth 3:9 – “Spread the corner of your garment over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” Ruth 4:14 – “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer!” Ruth 4:17 – “A son has been born to Naomi… he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.”
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Conclusion:
The Book of Ruth is a story of hope in the midst of pain,
an invitation to faithfulness despite loss,
a proof of God’s sovereign grace,
– and a foretaste of the gospel.
Ruth shows:
-
That God’s story is greater than our past.
-
That grace brings outsiders into God’s family.
-
That even everyday decisions are part of divine plans.
In short: Ruth shows humanity in its loyalty – and God in His providence.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
5 december 2025
BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Daily Bible Reading
Ruth 1 – Faithful despite ruins
Ruth’s decision in the valley of loss – how loyalty and faith open new paths
Read online here
Introduction
The first chapter of the book of Ruth begins in dark tones: a famine forces a family to flee from the promised land. In Moab, a pagan region, the father dies, then the sons – a bitter widow and two foreign daughters-in-law remain. Yet in the midst of this pain, a decision arises that will touch the salvation history of the world. Ruth’s faithfulness shines like a bright star in the night of human suffering.
══════════════════════════
Commentary
In the time of the Judges, an era of unrest and spiritual confusion, a famine also comes over the land of Judah. Elimelech of Bethlehem – from the “house of bread” – leaves with his wife Naomi and their two sons the land God had promised and seeks safety in neighboring Moab. The decision to move to a pagan land brings food in the short term, but long-term sorrow: Elimelech dies, and later his two sons as well, who had married Moabite women.
Naomi is left alone – without husband, without sons, without a future. Once “Naomi” meaning “pleasant,” she now considers herself “Mara” – bitter. Everything seems lost. Yet right here God begins to work in secret.
When Naomi hears that God has visited His people again and there is bread in Bethlehem, she sets out. Her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, accompany her. But along the way Naomi urges them to turn back: “I cannot offer you a future – I am empty, my life is over.”
Orpah turns back with a heavy heart. But Ruth clings to her. Her words are among the most moving in the Old Testament:
“Where you go, I will go. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
Ruth leaves homeland, religion, and family – not out of duty, but out of love and faith. She chooses Naomi – and the God of Israel.
Two women, widowed, wounded, impoverished, arrive in Bethlehem – at the time of the barley harvest. They do not yet know that this is the beginning of a new story. God has set the stage.
══════════════════════════
Summary
• Elimelech’s family flees to Moab because of famine – all the men die there.
• Naomi returns to Bethlehem as a bitter widow.
• Ruth, the Moabite daughter-in-law, freely chooses to go with her.
• Her famous statement of loyalty marks a turning point.
• They arrive at the time of the barley harvest – a symbol of new life.
══════════════════════════
Message for us today
1. God often works in secret – even in times of suffering.
The famine, the loss of family – everything seems like a chain of disasters. But looking back we see: God was never absent. He leads through darkness.
2. Our decisions in pain shape the future.
Ruth’s decision to remain faithful changes not only her life, but becomes part of God’s saving plan.
3. Loyalty is a sign of genuine faith.
Ruth had no guarantee that a better life waited for her in Bethlehem. But she trusted the God of Israel – her faith is revealed through her loyalty.
4. God invites foreigners to become part of His story.
Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes the great-grandmother of David. Origin excludes no one – faith and devotion make us children of God.
══════════════════════════
Thought to ponder
“Where you go, I will go … your God will be my God.” – Ruth 1:16
Whom or what do you follow when everything collapses? Are you willing to leave familiar ground to follow God’s call – even when you cannot yet see the destination? How do you deal with loss – bitter like Naomi or faithful like Ruth?
Today Ruth’s story invites you to trust anew – even if your life does not look hopeful right now. Perhaps your “barley harvest” is just beginning.
~~~~~~~~~~
4 – 6 December 2025
BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Weekly Reading – Spirit of Prophecy
Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 46
The Blessings and the Curses | When walls break before faith
Read online here
BLOG 2
The Stone with Writing
The law becomes visible, not only heard
Introduction
God wants not only hearts, He wants remembrance. That is why Israel does not write the law on parchment, but in stone.
══════════════════════════
Commentary
After the gathering on the mountains, Joshua called men who carried large stones. They built a monument on Ebal, rough and heavy. No artistic work, no carved figures, just massive stone blocks stronger than any human word.
Then they spread lime over them until the surface became bright like a tablet. And with hands that had known the desert, they wrote the law — word by word, command by command. Not only the tablets from Sinai, but also the words Moses had received and written down.
It was not hidden.
Not in a tent.
Not in the sanctuary.
It stood there, in the middle of the land, visible to every wandering shepherd, to every child, to every foreigner.
This stone spoke:
“This covenant is not secret. It is public. It is lasting.”
Beside it stood an altar — simple, uncut, raw — a sign that reconciliation is not carved by human hands. Sacrifices rose in smoke, and the scent was like a reminder of grace in the midst of law.
Here the gospel stood in the shadow of stone:
Sin deserves curse — but God provides sacrifice.
══════════════════════════
Summary
Israel sets up a stone monument with the law and, next to it, an altar for sacrifices on Mount Ebal.
══════════════════════════
Message for us today
– God’s word should remain visible, not hidden or forgotten.
– Obedience and grace always stand side by side.
══════════════════════════
Thought to ponder
Which truth of God do you need to “write in stone” today so that you won’t forget it?
5 December 2025
Daniel – Strong in Faith. Faithful in the Fire
6.When Faithfulness Is Tested – Prayer Despite Danger
Daily Verse
Introduction: When faith suddenly becomes costly
Devotional – When prayer is not routine but conviction
What does this mean for us?
What we can learn from Daniel
Practical steps for today
Questions for reflection
Prayer
Key thought of the day
