What can we learn from Ruth?

What can Ruth (a Gentile) teach the Church about Love & Mercy? The book of Ruth can be understood as an allegory, illustrating restoration and redemption for Israel, by God' grace and through the mercy of Gentiles.

The four main people in the book are types.
1. Ruth - the Church that shows mercy toward Israel.
2. Orpah - the Church that will not keep company with Israel.
3. Naomi - grieving Israel.
4. Boaz - the Christ-Like Redeemer.

After Naomi (a Jew) buried her husband and both sons she decided to return to Israel from the land of Moab. At first, Ruth & Orpah, Naomi's widowed daughters in law, were willing to accompany her back to Israel. Orpah, however, didn't go. She kissed Naomi good-bye and returned to her people. Orpah is an example of the Church that goes only so far with Israel. Ruth, instead, blessed Naomi and said, "...where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God... May the Lord deal with me ever so severely, if anything but death separates you from me." (Ruth 1:16,17) Ruth showed mercy to Naomi!

The blessing of the Lord is evident on Ruth's life. Having helped Naomi back to Israel, she accepted responsibility for her care by gleaning grain in Boaz's field. Boaz showed favor to Ruth, a Gentile, because of her commitment to Naomi, a Jew. He blessed Ruth, redeemed her, and then married her. The story of Ruth suggests that if you bless Israel you will be blessed (Gen.12:3).

Today, there are many Naomis on the move again! The Jews are returning to their homeland according to the ancient prophecies. But God also planned that Gentiles, like Ruth, should help Jews home.

Like Ruth, be merciful to the Naomis as they return home! Help the Jews home to Israel .

The Jerusalem Connection, International is helping Jewish people in the Ukraine as well as those in the Americas by assisting in their preparation to make Aliyah and helping them to the nearest airport or departure point. Please join with us as we work together to help fulfill God's covenant promise to the Jewish people.

The Ukraine, which has the third largest population of Jews in the world, has a long history of anti-Semitism. Indeed, the worsening economic situation in Russia and Ukraine is aggravating existing anti-Semitic attitudes which look upon the Jews as 'Scapegoats' . (source: Newsweek Magazine Nov. 23, 1998)