OUR 34th YEAR

RUTH 2: 1-3

THE KINDRED OF ELIMELECH

As we continue the study of The Book of Ruth our introductory thought for these three verses is found in verse 3, ‘the kindred of Elimelech’.

The LORD our God, The God of Israel is The Creator of all things, including the beginning of families starting with Adam and Eve. He is interested in families. We can find its history in the first book of The Holy Bible, the Book of Genesis. Most people seem to show an interest in finding out where they came from, that is, their family history. The Holy Bible is the best place to begin.

Not only do we want to know where and when life began and where we fit in, but especially we should want to know about God’s kindred (His chosen people called Israel).

THE WORD OF GOD

The Word of God completely furnishes us with an accurate account of the beginning and the ultimate end of our earthly life. Also, in reference to the family of Israel, the Jewish people, they have a tremendous role in human history as they were chosen as the vessels through whom Salvation has been presented to the world, in the person of Ben Y’israel (The Son of Israel), The Lord Jesus Christ. So, you can see how important it is to read God’s Holy Book.

THE KING JAMES HOLY BIBLE (K.J.V.)

As a believer, I always recommend the King James translation of the Holy Bible, because it is the best, so that as we read its chapters and verses we can be assured that we are receiving a true and accurate account of the inspired Scriptures.

In The Book of Ruth we have a remarkable love story, and it is so wonderful that our LORD shares with us a little glimpse of Israel’s history in this book, which by the way took place during the times of the Judges of Israel and which involved a very important family in Israel, the family of Elimelech.

THE MESSIAH OF ISRAEL

Elimelech’s family and lineage is so very important to know and keep alive. This family must not be forgotten, because, they descended from the tribe of Judah, of whom the Messiah of Israel was to come through. The term Messiah means Anointed One and it refers to none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Anointed One, God in the flesh from the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He came not only to be a Light for Israel’s redemption, but also, that through the Nation of Israel, God would send forth the message of His LIGHT that brings Salvation to many. God chose a people unto Himself called Israel to be His light to the Nations (Gentiles). Just having the complete Holy Bible in our hands that The LORD inspired and gave to the Jewish people to write long ago is by itself a most powerful witness of God’s existence. Indeed, Israel has been a light to the nations.

THROUGH MANY TRIALS

Now, through many trials, testing and troublesome times, we have the family of Elimelech, namely, his wife Naomi being a specific witness of God for over 10 years to the Gentile Nation of Moab, and especially with two Moabitish women. The end result is seen in the life of a woman called Ruth who after ten years accepted The God of Israel as her Lord and God.

Therefore, after this time of faithful ‘missionary work’, Naomi is beginning to enjoy the fruits of her labor. Not only in a spiritual perspective, but also in a physical way. God is so good and true to His Word.

This wonderful woman named Ruth in the Old Testament coming to know The God of Israel shows forth a figure and symbolism of the Gentiles coming to The Messiah.

So, we can safely say that the Apostle Saul Paul was not the first witness of Salvation to the Gentiles. I thank our LORD over and over that He allows my husband and I through Shalom Scripture Studies to be His witness to ‘the Jew first, and also to the Gentiles’. (Romans 1:16), and for all of our associate members who help us in reaching out with the Gospel Truth. Thank you Lord.

JEWISH MOTHER IN LAW

Now, after a while, Ruth finds herself with her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, in Bethlehem, Israel. And, as we continue to read and study this book we are going to see what role, The Almighty God purposed for Ruth in the life and history of the Nation and people of Israel and also most importantly in relationship to The Messiah of Israel. But for now, we see Naomi and Ruth settled in Bethlehem among her friends not knowing as yet that she, that is, Naomi has a near kinsman (relative), remember our introductory thought ... THE KINDRED OF ELIMELECH, which refers to as KINSMAN in verse 1, which means (REDEEMER).

So, our first point of THE KINDRED OF ELIMELECH is:

THE REDEEMER OR THE KINSMAN’S FAMILY

We read in Scripture that the KINSMAN that could REDEEM her husband’s family, was a RICH RELATIVE, remember, unknown to Naomi and Ruth at this time. Naomi and Ruth were poor, but, God did not reveal to them the rich family or kinsman, namely Boaz, as yet. I believe that The Lord wanted them to completely trust Him by faith that He would provide all of their needs according to His riches in glory and not through some rich relative.

GOD PROVIDED

God provided for the poor and stranger that would come into the Land of Israel through Ha-Torah (the Law) that He gave to Israel in regards to the land. The landlords were commanded to leave the corners of their field for the poor and strangers in Israel that they would not go hungry. Naomi was poor, and Ruth a stranger, had needs. But, we do not read that they were expecting anything, no, not a house warming from all of Naomi’s friends, giving them food and gifts for their place. No, what we do see is a good example of a young woman ready and willing in HUMBLENESS TO DO SOME HARD WORK, to work in the fields for their needs. Indeed, a workman is worthy of his (her) hire.

Look how willing and humble she is as we read in verse 2, which is our second point:

THE REQUEST FOR FAVOR

The request is made by Ruth to Naomi ...”Let me now go to glean after him in whose sight I shall find grace”. She wanted to go to glean (work) ears of corn, but wanted to make sure that she would go to the right field. She was not taking anything for granted or handed to her. She wanted a job, she desired to work, remember that she was a Moabite woman, and as such, she was not expecting privileges or a hand out from anyone. But, what she was looking for, is that someone would show her kindness and grace.

GRACE IN HEBREW

The word GRACE in Hebrew is CHEN and the meaning of GRACE is unmerited favor, that is, something not deserved. Today, we as God’s children, know GRACE as:

God’s Righteousness At Christ Expense (His Death, Burial and Resurrection)

We do not deserve God’s grace that He has and continues to show us by freely giving us eternal life and the forgiveness of our sins; not to mention supplying all of our needs as we live here on earth. In Ruth’s life we see not only humbleness, but most importantly honor that she showed Naomi. Often times the commandment, ’Honor your parents’ is not observed, but in Ruth’s case, she wanted permission from her mother-in-law, to go and glean and work in the field. Ruth was in submission respectfully to Naomi.

SUBMISSION IS A WONDERFUL QUALITY

Submission is a wonderful quality and it should be our desire in regards to work, especially, unto The Lord ... one might consider saying, ‘what would You have me do Lord? ’ ... ‘where would You have me work? ’, especially in the Lord’s area of service. This must always be done with humbleness, willing to be directed by our LORD. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths’. (Proverbs 3:5-6).

NO ACCIDENTS WITH THE LORD

Ruth was willing to go out not knowing where she was going, but she had The God of Israel on her side. She just HAPPENED TO COME TO THE KINDRED OF ELIMELECH, BOAZ’S FIELD.

She did not know where Boaz’s field was. Things just do not happen and there are no accidents with our Lord.

I believe that The Almighty God was directing her every step of the way. When we are willing to walk by faith, our LORD will also direct our every step, and in His way.

In humbleness she came to the right place, for it was a portion of Boaz’s field and The Lord is now just about ready to exalt her with FAVOR AND KINDNESS to glean in the fields of the REDEEMER’S FAMILY, namely Boaz’s field.

Gleaning in God’s field is an act of kindness and favor to us. Thank you Lord for this glorious exaltation in our lives as we humbly love, serve and obey Thy voice.