Redeemed by Hope: The Story of Ruth and the Light of Advent
Introduction: Rediscovering Advent through Ruth
The Advent season is a time of anticipation, reflection, and renewal. Often, we immerse ourselves in the familiar story of Christ’s birth. But today, let us journey to an unexpected place—the story of Ruth. This Old Testament book, set in the darkest of times, offers profound insight into the Advent themes of hope, peace, love, and joy. Through Ruth’s story, we see God’s hand at work, redeeming the broken and bringing light into darkness.
As Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” Ruth’s journey exemplifies this longing and the fulfilment of divine promises.
I. Hope in Hopelessness
“But Naomi said, ‘Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? … Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.’” (Ruth 1:11, 13, NLT)
Ruth’s story begins with despair. Naomi, her mother-in-law, loses her husband and two sons amidst famine. Naomi believes God’s hand is against her, even calling herself “Mara,” meaning "bitter" (Ruth 1:20).
The Hebrew word for “raised his fist” in verse 13 is yatsa’ (?????), which implies an action of judgment or going forth in power. Naomi perceives her suffering as a direct act of divine discipline. Yet, even in her anguish, she recognises the sovereignty of God, reflecting the truth of Romans 8:28 (NLT):
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
This hope is not a superficial optimism but a deep trust in God’s faithfulness. When life feels barren, like Naomi’s, we can cling to promises like Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT): "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Imagine planting seeds in drought-ravaged soil. Though the earth appears lifeless, the sower believes in the harvest to come. Naomi’s journey reflects this perseverance in faith, and Ruth embodies hope by choosing to remain with her and declaring, “Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16, NLT).
As Max Lucado writes, “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”
II. Peace in Providence
“May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” (Ruth 2:12, NLT)
Ruth encounters Boaz, a man of noble character who ensures her safety and provides abundantly for her. Boaz’s words invoke the image of God’s protection. The phrase “under whose wings” translates the Hebrew word kanaph (??????), signifying shelter and divine refuge. This echoes Psalm 91:4 (NLT):
"He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armour and protection."
Boaz’s provision and protection symbolise God’s providential care, a foretaste of the peace found in Christ.
Peace is not the absence of struggle but the presence of God in the struggle. In Advent, we remember that Christ is the Prince of Peace, fulfilling the promise of Isaiah 26:3 (NLT):
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
Think of a child frightened during a thunderstorm. When wrapped in a parent’s embrace, the fear subsides despite the storm continuing outside. God’s peace guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, as in Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT).
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ.”
III. Love in Redemption
“Then Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd standing around, ‘You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion, and Mahlon. And with the land, I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife.’” (Ruth 4:9-10, NLT)
Boaz fulfils his role as a go’el (??????), a kinsman-redeemer, acting selflessly to restore Naomi and Ruth’s family line. The term go’el signifies one who rescues, avenges, or restores—a powerful image of Christ’s redemptive love for us.
Paul writes in Ephesians 1:7 (NLT): "He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins."
Boaz points to Jesus, the ultimate Redeemer, who paid the price for our sin to reconcile us to God.
We are called to love sacrificially, reflecting the love of Christ. Just as Boaz extended kindness and protection, we are urged in 1 John 3:18 (NLT): "Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions."
Consider a debt so overwhelming that no repayment is possible. Then, someone steps in and pays it entirely, asking for nothing in return. This is the love of God through Christ.
Timothy Keller writes, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
IV. Joy in God’s Plan
“They named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.” (Ruth 4:17, NLT)
The birth of Obed brings joy to Naomi, Ruth, and their community. The lineage leading to David, and ultimately Jesus, highlights God’s sovereign plan.
In Matthew 1:5-6 (NLT), Ruth is included in Jesus’ genealogy, emphasising that God’s plan involves unexpected people and circumstances. As Paul states in Romans 15:13 (NLT): "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him."
Our joy is found not in circumstances but in God’s unchanging promises. We rejoice knowing that God works all things for good and that the Advent season points us to the ultimate joy found in Christ’s return.
A tapestry’s beauty is often only visible from the front; the back appears messy and tangled. God is weaving a masterpiece in our lives, even when we only see the tangled threads.
John Piper states, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
Conclusion and Call to Action:
Advent reminds us that God is at work in our waiting, redeeming, restoring, and bringing joy. Like Ruth, we are called to trust in God’s providence, love sacrificially, and find joy in His plan.
Call to Action:
This Advent, reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life. Ask yourself: where can I bring hope, peace, love, and joy to others?
Invitation to Faith:
If you have not yet trusted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, let this be the season of new beginnings. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, Jesus offers redemption for your soul. He invites you into His family and gives the hope of eternal life.
