As we begin the week, we also begin the short, lovely book of Ruth. This book is still considered one of the OT books of history, but it is very unlike the others in that there are no accounts of wars or laws or politics.

It takes place during the times of the judges and before the kings. It’s an account a woman named Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth. I think you’ll fall in love with both women. I don’t want to give away the end, but know that Ruth plays a very important part in history. Not just Jewish history, but if you are a follower of Jesus, your history.

So how do you like Naomi and Ruth? Such gentle and loving women, don’t you think? That Ruth would give up everything she knew in order to follow Naomi speaks volumes about her character.

And Boaz. What a gracious man. Notice how he greeted those who were working in his field. “The Lord be with you.” It seems like he genuinely liked them, that he didn’t look down on them as mere servants. I think their response confirms that: “The Lord bless you!”

Also, note how the Lord directs our paths even before we know Him. Ruth had no idea that this field belonged to a relative of Naomi. But God knew, and He brought Boaz’s attention to her as she followed the harvesters, picking up the scraps they left behind.

God’s plan is in operation in the lives of these three people. Next time we visit this little book, we’ll see how it plays out.