Zwipo 3 - KBTP & CEVUS06

But Ruth replied, 'Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

The love story of Ruth and Boaz is one of the most heartwarming narratives in the Bible. It highlights loyalty, kindness, and the providence of God. Below is a seven-part exploration of their story, showcasing key moments and lessons we can learn.

1. Ruth’s Loyal Love for Naomi

Bible Verse: “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'” (Ruth 1:16)

The story begins with Ruth’s decision to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the loss of their husbands. Despite being a Moabite with no obligation to remain, Ruth chooses loyalty and selfless love over personal comfort. Her declaration of commitment is a profound example of love rooted in devotion and faith.

Lesson: True love often involves sacrifice and putting others’ needs before your own.

2. Ruth’s Humility and Hard Work

Bible Verse: “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” (Ruth 2:2)

Arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth immediately seeks ways to provide for herself and Naomi. She humbly works in the fields, gleaning leftover grain, which was allowed under the law for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10). Her actions reflect love expressed through diligence and service.

Lesson: Love is not just about words but is demonstrated through actions of care and responsibility.

3. Boaz’s Kindness Toward Ruth

Bible Verse: “The Lord bless you, my daughter. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier… You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.” (Ruth 3:10)

Boaz, a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi, notices Ruth’s character and dedication. He treats her with kindness, ensuring she has more than enough grain and protection while working in his fields. Boaz’s actions are motivated by compassion and respect for Ruth’s integrity.

Lesson: Love involves recognizing and honoring the worth of others, especially their character and efforts.

4. Ruth’s Bold Request for Redemption

Bible Verse: “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” (Ruth 3:9)

Following Naomi’s guidance, Ruth approaches Boaz at night, asking him to act as her kinsman-redeemer. This was not a romantic gesture in the modern sense but a cultural and legal request for protection and provision. Ruth’s boldness reflects her trust in both Boaz and God’s plan.

Lesson: Love sometimes requires stepping out in faith and making courageous decisions.

5. Boaz’s Integrity and Commitment

Bible Verse: “I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.” (Ruth 3:11)

Boaz agrees to Ruth’s request but ensures the proper legal steps are taken first. He respects the traditions and laws of Israel, seeking permission from a closer relative before redeeming Ruth. His actions show his integrity and willingness to do things the right way.

Lesson: Love is honorable and seeks to uphold righteousness in all circumstances.

6. The Marriage of Ruth and Boaz

Bible Verse: “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.” (Ruth 4:13)

Boaz redeems Ruth and marries her, fulfilling his role as her kinsman-redeemer. Their union is not only a picture of love between two people but also a reflection of God’s faithfulness in providing for His people.

Lesson: God honors love that is rooted in obedience, faithfulness, and His divine plan.

7. God’s Providential Love Through Their Lineage

Bible Verse: “Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, ‘Naomi has a son!’ And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (Ruth 4:16-17)

Ruth and Boaz’s love story is woven into God’s grand plan. Their son, Obed, becomes the grandfather of King David, placing them in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). This demonstrates how God uses love and faithfulness to fulfill His promises.

Lesson: Love that honors God has eternal significance, impacting generations to come.

Conclusion

The story of Ruth and Boaz is more than a romance—it’s a testament to God’s providence and the power of love rooted in loyalty, humility, and faith. Their story encourages us to trust God’s plan, love selflessly, and honor Him in all our relationships.

Let this example inspire us to live with the same devotion and integrity, trusting that God is working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect plan for our lives.

Zwibhayilo zwe mbakisano

1 “Ha kuna unobe edusa tjipo tjili tjibhayilo tje mbakisano, ha edusa ithuwo mu danga, tjili tjilume kene tjikadzi, atjiduse tjisina bulema mbeli kwa Yahwe. 2 Ngono abige luboko gugwe pezhugwi kwe nsholo we tjipo tjitje, abe etjibhayila pa nkoba we nshasha we bushanganilo, ngono bakololo ba Aroni bapirisiti banyase tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo nge malopa betjipoteleka. 3 Ngono mu tjibhayilo tje mbakisano, tjili tjipo tjinopisiwa mu moto kupisigwa Yahwe, ayise lizwizwi ne mafuta wose e zwimukati, 4 ne so mbili ne mafuta adzo ne lutembe gwe moyo, azwidusilanye ne so. 5 Ndizo bakololo ba Aroni banowozwipisila mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo pezhugwi kwe tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa, itjetji tjipezhugwi kwe hwuni dzimu moto, tjili tjipo tjinopisiwa mu moto, tjili nnuhwo unonuhwa zwinozipa kupiwa Yahwe.

6 “Ha tjipo tjitje tje tjibhayilo tje mbakisano tjinopiwa Yahwe tjili tjinodwa mu ngubi, tjili tjilume kene tjikadzi, atjiyise tjisina bulema. 7 Ha eyisa pkhwizana kube tjipo tjitje, ndizo aiyise mbeli kwa Yahwe, 8 abige luboko gugwe pezhugwi kwe nsholo we tjipo tjitje, ngono atjibhaye mbeli kwe nshasha we bushanganilo, ngono bakololo ba Aroni banyase tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo nge malopa betjipoteleka. 9 Ndizo mu tjibhayilo tje mbakisano, tjili tjipo tjinopisiwa mu moto kupisigwa Yahwe, aduse mafuta atjo, mafuta wose e bhesu, ali lungunule kudwa pa thunji ne lizwizwi ne mafuta wose e zwimukati, 10 ne so mbili ne mafuta adzo ne lutembe gwe moyo azwidusilanye ne so. 11 Ngono mpirisiti unowopisila tjibhayilo mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo zwili zojiwa zwe zwipo zwinopisiwa mu moto zwipisigwa Yahwe.

12 “Ha tjipo tjitje ili mbudzi, ndizo unoiyisa kuna Yahwe, 13 abige luboko gugwe pezhugwi kwe nsholo wayo, abe eibhayila mbeli kwe nshasha we bushanganilo, ngono bakololo ba Aroni banyase tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo nge malopa kutjipoteleka. 14 Ndizo ayise zwimu ili, kube tjipo tjinopisiwa mu moto tjitje, tjinopisigwa Yahwe, lizwizwi ne mafuta wose e zwimukati, 15 ne so mbili ne mafuta adzo kudwa ku thunji ne lutembe gwe moyo azwidusilanye ne so. 16 Ngono mpirisiti unowozwipisila mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo kube zojiwa zwe zwipo zwinopisiwa mu moto zwipisigwa Yahwe, zwili nnuhwo unonuhwa zwinozipa. Mafuta wose nge a Yahwe. 17 Ibe ndaulo isingapele kuyenda nge zwizekugwana zwenyu mu magalo enyu wose, musitongoja mafuta kene malopa.”

Sacrifices To Ask the Lord's Blessing

The Lord said:

1 When you offer sacrifices to ask my blessing, you may offer either a bull or a cow, but there must be nothing wrong with the animal. 2 Lead it to the entrance of the sacred tent, lay your hand on its head, and have it killed there. A priest from Aaron's family will splatter its blood against the four sides of the altar.

3 Offer all of the fat on the animal's insides, 4 as well as the lower part of the liver and the two kidneys with their fat. 5 Some of the priests will lay these pieces on the altar and send them up in smoke with a smell that pleases me, together with the sacrifice that is offered to please me.

6 Instead of a bull or a cow, you may offer any sheep or goat that has nothing wrong with it. 7 If you offer a sheep, you must present it to me at the entrance to the sacred tent. 8 Lay your hand on its head and have it killed there. A priest will then splatter its blood against the four sides of the altar.

9 Offer the fat on the tail, the tailbone, and the insides, 10 as well as the lower part of the liver and the two kidneys with their fat. 11 One of the priests will lay these pieces on the altar and send them up in smoke as a food offering for me.

12 If you offer a goat, you must also present it to me 13 at the entrance to the sacred tent. Lay your hand on its head and have it killed there. A priest will then splatter its blood against the four sides of the altar.

14 Offer all of the fat on the animal's insides, 15 as well as the lower part of the liver and the two kidneys with their fat. 16 One of the priests will put these pieces on the altar and send them up in smoke as a food offering with a smell that pleases me.

All fat belongs to me. 17 So you and your descendants must never eat any fat or any blood, not even in the privacy of your own homes. This law will never change.