Ruth – A Portrait Of Nothingness Of Self

When we read the words and actions of Ruth in the book of Ruth, we are reminded of a person who has nothingness of self. There is no self in all her words or deeds. Ruth did not view Naomi as in-laws but rather as her own parents. Ruth consistently showed Naomi respect and obedience.

First description about Ruth in the Bible was “Ruth clung to her” (Ruth 1:14). In a difficult situation where there was an option for easier path, she clung to a difficult path of following Naomi. Ruth was aware that Naomi needed someone to help her. Ruth sacrificed her comfort to care for a helpless person like Naomi. An able person clung to a helpless person. This is a selfless nature which God likes.

Ruth clung to Naomi first in deeds or actions and later spoke the words. Actions speak before words. Deeds speak louder than words.

Supporting a helpless person until death with no expectation of reward or benefit is act of selfless love. Jesus did the same on the cross. He adopted a helpless humanity as a member of His family and cared for them until they turned back to God.

Ruth was determined to go with Naomi. Ruth was under the guidance and instruction of a helpless person. Ruth completely followed Naomi’s instructions. Ruth took shelter in the God of Naomi. Ruth kept her faith in the God of Naomi despite her trials and the loss of her husband. It is easy to see God’s favor and to trust in Him. However, experiencing only God’s anger yet believing in God is true faith. Ruth only saw God’s wrath, yet she had faith in God.

Ruth made a living via hard work rather than shortcuts or contacts. Ruth was even prepared to support Naomi.

Some positive traits of Ruth

Faithful in work – She would arrive in the field early and stay there till late.

Forget about all the past sacrifices – She didn’t keep track of past sacrifices. She was always prepared to make more sacrifices to help helpless people.

Despite her good deeds, she consistently displays an attitude of undeservingness. When someone extends mercy or a favour, she bows and declares that she is unworthy of the kindness. “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I ama foreigner?” Ruth 2:10

When someone acknowledges her past deeds or sacrifices, she claims that she is undeserving and says that the remarks comforted her.

Willingness to share everything with those who are dependent

No secrets before Naomi

Following instructions without making any modifications. So Ruth said to her, “I will do everything you say” Ruth 3:5. Consider the value of other people’s experiences to be greater than their own. Esteem other people more than oneself.

Willingness to obey instruction, even if that might result in shame or public disgrace. Ruth went to the threshing floor and was lying down at Boaz’s feet. Ruth might have faced a public humiliation if people learned that she had visited the threshing floor in the night.

Lying down at a kinsmen’s redeemer feet represents she was dependent on Boaz’s mercy.

Ruth had the option of approaching the kinsman redeemer directly to resolve her issue, but she chose to depend on the mercy of Boaz.

Depend on mercy rather than approach with a deserving or worthy mindset.

A selfless man is always dependent on God’s mercy. Even if God may have bestowed upon him a great number of promises or blessings, he still feels and considers himself to be undeserving for these mercies. His responsibility was to remind God, focusing first on his undeservedness and then on God’s promises.

The theme of the book of Ruth is to rely on God’s mercy rather than approaching with a deserving mindset. Ruth sustained the undeserving nature throughout her life. A person who despite doing good deeds, yet in an undeserving state before God, births God’s plans through his life. Jesus will be revealed through this lineage.

We can approach the Cross of Jesus directly to receive all the blessings and favour, but coming in a state of undeserving attitude to claim all blessings and favour is coming via God’s mercy to the Cross. Despite our good deeds, always keeping an undeserving nature before God guards us from the fall. Undeserving person bows down when shown favour or mercy. God extends additional favour and benefits to the undeserving people. Boaz gave Ruth six measures of grain when she was returning home from the threshing floor (Ruth 3:15).

Despite good deeds, an undeserving attitude before God attracts God’s favour and blessings.