Hi Parents:
Its been a little while since the last post. But this Sunday, the lesson moved from Judges to the Book of Ruth. Note last week (Week 7) was a review session for the kids, so there was no homework. Below is the teacher devotion, and the student take home sheets and theme posters can be found in the
Parents Corner.
As discussed in the devotion below, Boaz can be viewed as a type of Christ, because of his desire to redeem his kinsmen, and the care, compassion, and great love he had for Ruth and Naomi. Here is a link (
http://waterstone.org/a-willing-heart-the-story-of-boaz/) to a wonderful summary of the Book of Ruth, and in particular succinctly delves into the character of Boaz and why he is a model of biblical giving, a precursor to the sacrificial giving of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Enjoy! Brian
Teacher Devotion
Scriptural Background
Before you begin to prepare for your lesson this week, please prepare your heart and mind by reading the
book of Ruth. It is a beautiful story of loving loyalty, integrity, courage, and redemption. During the time of the judges (Ruth 1:1), Naomi and Elimelech, natives of Bethlehem in Judah, with their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, moved to the country of Moab to avoid a famine. Elimelech died in the land of Moab, and afterward the two sons married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. After about ten years, the two sons died, leaving Naomi alone with her daughters-in-law.
In that time and culture, life was very difficult for a widow. Naomi told Ruth and Orpah to return to their own people as Naomi intended to return to hers. She explained that she was too old to have more sons, and even if she did, it would take too long for the sons to grow up to be the husbands of her daughters-in-law.
Both daughters-in-law protested. Orpah finally did return to her people. Ruth, in contrast, adamantly refused, declaring determined allegiance, not only to Naomi but also to her people and to her God (Ruth 1:16–17). This is to be understood as more than personal loyalty and love to Naomi. Rather, Ruth declared her intent to forsake her family and the false religion of the Moabites and to attach herself to the covenant people of the true God. In that culture, Ruth took a radical and courageous step. Certainly she must have loved Naomi, but this kind of commitment to Israel and to God, regardless of the lack of familial connections in Israel, was a nearly certain path to poverty. Naomi may have been beloved by Ruth, but she was not in a position to do anything for her material needs. Ruth’s courage is much to be admired.
When Ruth and Naomi returned to make their home in Bethlehem, they were in the position of little more than beggars. This was evidenced in the manner Ruth obtained food for them, following harvesting field workers and picking up (“gleaning”) what little they dropped as they harvested. It was customary (and commanded in
Leviticus 23:22) to allow the poor to gather food this way. The owner of the field, Boaz, compassionately instructed his young men to leave more than usual for Ruth, and Boaz recognized and admired the path this young Moabite woman had followed. His blessing to her makes it clear that she had not only been loyal to Naomi but had also entrusted herself to the Lord God of Israel: “A full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge” (Ruth 2:12).
Boaz was a close relative of Naomi’s, one who could be expected to take responsibility for the care of Ruth and Naomi. In chapter 3, after being instructed by Naomi, Ruth came to Boaz by night at the threshing floor in a manner intended to show that she wished to be under his care; and Boaz responded favorably, impressed with Ruth’s virtue and her kindness in not pursuing younger men. Boaz was apparently much older than Ruth (Ruth 3:10–11).
The story culminates in chapter 4 when Boaz confronted another, closer relative of Naomi’s with the opportunity he had to “redeem”—to buy back into the close family—the land that had belonged to Naomi’s husband. The redemption of the land included, by custom in Israel, the responsibility to care for the widow of Elimelech (Naomi). The care also included Ruth since she was part of the family and, because she was a young woman, involved marriage to her for the continuation of the family name (Ruth 4:5). Naomi’s closer relative was unwilling to get involved, since it would affect the inheritance in his own family. Boaz was willing—and apparently a good deal more than willing—to marry Ruth. His redemption and marriage to Ruth led to her occupying a place in David’s, and eventually Jesus’s, ancestry as the great-grandmother of King David.
Historical/Apologetics Background
The redemption of Ruth by Boaz is a touching story of commitment and compassion, but it is much more than that. As Ruth’s close relative (“kinsman-redeemer” in the NIV), Boaz is certainly a type of Christ, our Redeemer. While it was costly for Boaz to redeem Ruth, Jesus Christ paid so much more for His bride. He set aside the privileges of His Godhood for our benefit (
Philippians 2:5–11). For our sakes, He who was rich became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9). He who was without sin became sin for us so “that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Boaz went beyond the call of duty to show his love and concern for Ruth, and Jesus more so.
It is also significant in this account that Ruth was a Gentile (a non-Israelite). The picture of her being drawn into covenant in the nation of Israel recalls God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:4 that he would be the father of many nations. It also foreshadows God’s promise that His Messiah, Jesus, would be a “light to bring revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32).
Before The Throne
Merciful Lord, I praise you because you have compassion on sinners and have provided a wayfor me to know you. Thank you for recording these events in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Ruth’s faithfulness spurs me on to be more faithful to you. Boaz’s compassion encourages me to look to Jesus, remember the compassion he had on me, and share that compassion with others in my life. Help me to share your truths with my students in an accurate, clear, and fun way. My heart yearns for them to know you, love you, and live for you alone. Draw them to you, Lord.
