Set against the dark period of the Judges in the Bible, the story of Ruth is like a beautiful gem, sparkling in its clarity and simple language, glowing with grace, and compelling with its lasting lessons. Written by Samuel, the last judge, to show the lineage of King David, the narrative relates the life and adventures of six people who lived during that time. Elimelech. Naomi. Mahlon. Chilion. Ruth. Boaz.
Ruth. Her name means beautiful friend, and that is truly what she was in her life. She comes into the story in the Bible as the young womanl Mahlon chooses as his wife. Her faith, love, and kindness is shown in every word she speaks.
Yet she was raised in a pagan, idolatrous culture. Where did this dazzling personality come from? How did she learn to have faith in the God of the Israelites? What fire purified her, what forge molded her?
Embraced by Grace: The Story of Ruth is a fiction book based on the biblical account. It begins when Ruth is a shepherdess on the vast plateau of Moab, called the Mishor. As a young girl, she struggles with the rejection of her own people and abuse from her alcoholic father. When she meets an Israelite family from Bethlehem, her heart awakens to great light and love.
The story of Elimelech and Naomi and their two boys from Bethlehem weaves in and out of the narrative. They must make a difficult decision during a devastating famine to stay and face starvation or to go somewhere else. As they journey to Moab, they experience trouble on the journey, yet they find a home and a place for business in their new city of Ar.
After the death of Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chiilon, Naomi decides to return home to Bethlehem. Both of the two woman who are her daughters-in-law must choose to stay home or to travel with her. Ruth’s choice sets the tone for her future and reveals not only her courage, but also her faith in God.
Boaz, a man of great strength and faith, enters the story with a hearty, “The Lord bless you!” call to his laborers. His influence, kindness, generosity, and love shine like a great beacon of hope for Naomi and Ruth during the difficult days after their arrival in Bethlehem.
This great man of faith becomes a type of Christ in his willingness to give aid to the helpless and show love to the weak. It is through him that God showers his grace on Ruth and shows Himself to be faithful to all his promises.
From a shepherdess on the plateau of Moab to the ancestress of Jesus Christ, Ruth stands as an example to all of us, down into the 21st century. In this story, we can see the way God is able to redeem a broken life through His grace and bring love, joy, and glory to the worst situations.
As Ruth cradles her eighth great-grandchild in her arms, tears stream down her face and her heart overflows with gratitude and praise to Yahweh.
Once she had been cursed, now she is blessed. Once she had sorrow upon sorrow, now she has joy. Once she had no children, now she is mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to a host of little ones who gather around to hear her stories. Once she was an outcast, now she belongs in the family of God.
This is a tale you don’t want to miss. Ruth. A beautiful friend. A woman of loyalty, faith, and love. Embraced by Grace the Story of Ruth is not just a good read — it is a life-changing story that you will treasure and share.
