Restorer of Life

City Light Church Los Angeles

The book of Ruth seems like the movie Beauty and the Beast. In the Disney film we are made to believe that looks don’t matter, that anyone can find true love regardless of their appearances. Ruth 1-3 starts off like Beauty and the Beast. Naomi and Ruth have no value in a patriarchal society as widows without husbands, sons, or wealth. We are led to believe that they will be blessed despite what the world says their value is. But then in chapter 4 Ruth marries Boaz and has a son. Like the Beast becoming a Prince, it is easy to think that the book of Ruth is another fairytale that ends with the importance of looks, husbands, sons, and wealth. But Ruth is not a book about God’s PRESENTS but his PRESENCE. God does not miraculously show up in chapter 4. God is with Naomi and Ruth in their pain and loss as well as their provision and protection. God was with them from the beginning because they like Judah and David are people with a tender conscience and repentant hearts. Even though that faith was the size of a mustard seed, God was with them. God doesn’t seem to speak very much in this book. But one thing that is crystal clear in Ruth is that God listens. He hears the cries of his people knowing what our hearts need and are truly longing for. In this way Ruth leads us to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Through the gift of his son we know we trust in a God who is slow to speak and quick to listen giving us what we ultimately desire; His Presence, acceptance, and favor by grace alone through faith alone.