Zwipo 1 - KBTP & GNTD

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 zwinopisiwa zose

1 Yahwe bakadana Mushe bali mu nshasha we bushanganilo beti, 2 “Lebeleka ne bathu be Iziraela ubadwe uti, ‘Ha mmwe wenyu ezhisa tjipo tjinodwa mu zwithuwo kuna Yahwe, azhise tjipo tjinodwa mu danga le ng'ombe lile kene tjinodwa mu ngubi iye. 3 Ha tjipo tjitje tjili tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa tjidwa mu zwithuwo zwizwe, atjizhise tjili tjilume tjisina bulema, atjiyise pa nkoba we nshasha we bushanganilo, kuti aamutjilike mbeli kwa Yahwe. 4 Abige luboko gugwe pezhugwi kwe nsholo we tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa, ngono tjowoamutjigwa mu bumo gugwe kunthamila kugadzana. 5 Abhaye nkono ihwoyo mbeli kwa Yahwe, ngono bapirisiti, bakololo ba Aroni, bazhise malopa banyase tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo tjipa nkoba we nshasha we bushanganilo nge malopa betjipoteleka. 6 Ngono aviye tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa atjithubukanye nge mitezho, 7 bapirisiti, bakololo ba Aroni banowoyilikanya hwuni pa tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayiloTjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo 8 Bapirisiti, bakololo ba Aroni banowobiga mitezho ye tjibhayilo ne nsholo ne lizwizwi zubuyanana pezhugwi kwe hwuni dzimu moto pa tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo, 9 koga zwamukati kwatjo ne thozo dzatjo unowozwisuka nge vula. Ngono mpirisiti azwipise zose mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo zwili tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa, tjili tjipo tjinopisiwa mu moto kube nnuhwo unonuhwa zwinozipa kuna Yahwe.

10 “ ‘Ha nthu edusa tjipo tje tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa tjidwa mu ngubi, tjingabe mbudzi kene pkhwizi, aizhise ili ndume isina bulema. 11 Aibhayile ku lubizho gwe bunandzwa gwe tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo mbeli kwa Yahwe, ngono bapirisiti, bakololo ba Aroni batole malopa ayo banyase tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo betjipoteleka. 12 Aithubukanye nge mitezho, aduse nsholo ne lizwizwi, ngono mpirisiti unowobiga mitezho ne nsholo wayo ne lizwizwi gwayo zubuyanana pezhugwi kwe hwuni dzimu moto mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo. 13 Koga zwamukati ne thozo azwisuke nge vula. Ngono mpirisiti unoyisa tjibhayilo kuna Yahwe, unowotjipisa tjose mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo tjili tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa, tjipo tjinopisiwa mu moto, uli nnuhwo unozipa kuna Yahwe.

14 “ ‘Ha tjipo tjinopiwa Yahwe tjili tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa tje nyuni, ndizo azhise tjipo tjitje ili njiba kene ngurukuku. 15 Ngono mpirisiti unowoiyisa pa tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo ebe eimona ntshibha eithubula nsholo, eupisila mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo, ngono malopa ayo anowobhizhisigwa kuzhe mu lubadu gwe tjibeso. 16 Aduse jelelo layo ne misiba azwilashile mu hwunde ye tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo ku bhezhuba, mu tjizhalanlota. 17 Aipalule na pakati, koga asingathubukanye mapapilo ayo. Ngono mpirisiti aipisile mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo, pezhugwi kwe hwuni dzimu moto, tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa, tjili tjipo tjinopisiwa mu moto kube nnuhwo unozipa kuna Yahwe.’ ”

Sacrifices Burned Whole

1 The Lord called to Moses from the Tent of the Lord's presence and gave him the following rules 2 for the Israelites to observe when they offer their sacrifices.

When you offer an animal sacrifice, it may be one of your cattle or one of your sheep or goats. 3 If you are offering one of your cattle as a burnt offering, you must bring a bull without any defects. You must present it at the entrance of the Tent of the Lord's presence so that the Lord will accept you. 4 You shall put your hand on its head, and it will be accepted as a sacrifice to take away your sins. 5 You shall kill the bull there, and the Aaronite priests shall present the blood to the Lord and then throw it against all four sides of the altar located at the entrance of the Tent. 6 Then you shall skin the animal and cut it up, 7 and the priests shall arrange firewood on the altar and light it. 8 They shall put on the fire the pieces of the animal, including the head and the fat. 9 You must wash the internal organs and the hind legs, and the officiating priest will burn the whole sacrifice on the altar. The odor of this food offering is pleasing to the Lord.

10 If you are offering one of your sheep or goats, it must be a male without any defects. 11 You shall kill it on the north side of the altar, and the priests shall throw its blood on all four sides of the altar. 12 After you cut it up, the officiating priest shall put on the fire all the parts, including the head and the fat. 13 You must wash the internal organs and the hind legs, and the priest will present the sacrifice to the Lord and burn all of it on the altar. The odor of this food offering is pleasing to the Lord.

14 If you are offering a bird as a burnt offering, it must be a dove or a pigeon. 15 The priest shall present it at the altar, wring its neck, and burn its head on the altar. Its blood shall be drained out against the side of the altar. 16 He shall remove the crop and its contents and throw them away on the east side of the altar where the ashes are put. 17 He shall take hold of its wings and tear its body open, without tearing the wings off, and then burn it whole on the altar. The odor of this food offering is pleasing to the Lord.