Introduction to the Book of Ruth

Today's Reading: Ruth 2:12-13

Ruth 2:12 (ESV) "The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!"

The book of Ruth has it all: tragedy, a love story, adversity and a happy ending.

It's like your favorite novel or movie. You get caught up in the story, attached to the characters, and can't wait to see how it turns out in the end.

But perhaps the most striking aspect of the book of Ruth is how very human it is. The story opens with two women faced with an insecure and uncertain future. They were ordinary people who faced unavoidable struggles. Not much different than you and me, navigating the challenges of everyday life, wondering if God even sees us. In their most trying moments, they couldn't see God working behind the scenes. But as we read their story, we can see He was there all along.

It reminds us that even when we can't see God, He is still working.

The book of Ruth is not primarily about Ruth at all. It's about our God, who is faithful. Despite everything in the world that makes us feel insecure or uncertain, God remains the same. His character does not change. His plans are not thwarted.

Through the book of Ruth, God's faithfulness is clear. His steadfast love is sure.

In suffering and provision. In the middle and on the other side.

Whether or not you know the end of the story before you start this study, we hope you see Boaz, Ruth and Naomi's struggles in a new light as we journey together. We hope you understand the very human challenges they faced. Maybe you'll even think of them as friends. Their happy ending becomes so much sweeter because we better understand the details of what it took to get there.

Friend, as believers in Christ, we know the end of our stories too. But it's what happens here, in the middle, that makes that ending so powerful. Jesus, the God-man, who would one day be born through the lineage of this very family we study in Ruth, is going to make new all things in this world (Revelation 21:5). The happiest of endings is on the way. And God is working while we wait.

The question facing us as we start our study is: Will we choose to trust God?

Through this study, we pray you find God faithful when you feel insecure and uncertain. We pray you find the God who worked through the details of this story so long ago is the same God working out the details of your story today. We pray you find the hope you need. Then together we can say when it's over: "I trust God. He was, and is, the most faithful Friend to me."

Prayer: God, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Will You please prepare my heart as I begin this study? Will You please show me where I am failing to trust You? I ask that I will be able to see how faithful You are through the pages of Ruth. In Jesus' name, amen.

This was originally published in the First 5 app study of the book of Ruth. I co-wrote the study guide with Wendy Blight, click here to order your copy today!