Bible Study Notes - Ruth 2:5-12 and 3:9-11

Bible Study Notes

Acceptance in Community 

Ruth 2:5-12 & 3:9-11

The Fear of Possible Rejection

Our previous lesson concludes with Ruth’s eternal “Vow of Commitment” to Naomi.  Ruth will travel back to Judah with Naomi and live as an Israelite woman instead of the Moabite whom she is.  Ruth pledges only death would separate her from Naomi.  What about Naomi’s family and friends?  Will Naomi’s recitation of Ruth’s vow and loyalty suffice to convince Naomi’s family Ruth should become a bona fide member of the family?

Often we hear the saying, “Blood is thicker than water.”  This adage exhorts people to remember the importance of their relationships with family members.  In fact, they should value these ties more greatly than other relationships with friends and fellow church members.  If confronted with a choice between family and friends, this maxim clearly gives preference to relatives at all costs.  Loyalty belongs to them above all others.  If Naomi’s family takes this attitude with Ruth, they would ignore her.  The combination of the religious, cultural and tribal differences would suffice to justify their actions.  In addition, acquiring another person to feed during a protracted famine would be justification enough for some members of Naomi’s family.  With “benign neglect” toward Ruth, they would rejoice over Naomi’s return but insist Ruth leave as she is not a member of the family.

Remembering We Were Once Strangers

However, the exceedingly gracious, kind, merciful and respectful actions of Boaz demonstrates the power of God’s love to transcend human customs and limitations.  Moved by Ruth’s humility as a stranger in a foreign land, Boaz accepts her willingness to become a part of his family and people.  As a leader in the community, Boaz’s belief in Ruth’s genuineness enables the others to accept her as one of their very own.  Spiritually speaking, Boaz personifies the love of God who freely and faithfully accepts anyone who humbly and sincerely responds to God’s love with genuine repentance. 

As members of the Church, the family of God on the earth, we equally receive persons who desire to become genuine disciples of our Lord.  We do not subject them to any pedigree or litmus tests to determine whether they are worthy of admission.  In gratitude for God’s unconditional acceptance of us, we receive our brothers and sisters with the same redemptive and unbiased love with which we were welcomed in the household of faith.