Kyle Kauffman

Ruth 4:13–22 brings the story to a close with a beautiful glimpse of restoration not just for Ruth and Boaz, but especially for Naomi, whose journey moves from emptiness to fullness and from bitterness to blessing. In many ways, Naomi’s story mirrors our own. Life in a broken world brings all kinds of loss—relationships, health, dreams, seasons of life—and in every loss, we’re reminded of a deeper longing: the loss of our perfect relationship with God in Eden. But the good news of Ruth’s ending is that God is a God of restoration. Though we may only taste it in part now, we live with the sure hope that He will one day fully restore all that is broken. Naomi could never have imagined how her pain would be woven into God’s plan to bring David—and eventually Jesus—into the world. And so it is with us: our small, ordinary lives are part of a far bigger story, one that’s moving toward the return of Christ and the full renewal of all things. Whatever we’ve lost in this life, God promises to restore in ways far greater than we can imagine. So we fix our eyes on that future, trusting that even when we can’t see it, God is always working redemption into the details of our story.

Ruth 4:13-22

Kyle Kauffman

Ruth 4:1–12 brings us to the heart of the story of this book—redemption. In the culture of the time, redemption required the right person from the right family line. Boaz met that requirement and was willing to do what another man would not—pay the costly price to redeem Ruth and her family. This powerful act covered over Ruth’s past and radically transformed her future, bringing hope, security, and blessing not just to her, but to Naomi, Boaz, and eventually to all of Israel. Redemption always comes at great cost to the redeemer, but it brings immeasurable blessing to the redeemed. And Boaz, as noble as he is, is only a shadow pointing us to Jesus—the greater Redeemer who took on our flesh, paid the infinite cost with His own blood, and gave us a new future filled with every spiritual blessing. In Christ, our past no longer defines us, and our future is full of promise. Now, like Ruth, we each have a role to play in God’s ongoing story of redemption. 

Ruth 4:1-12

Kyle Kauffman

Ruth 3:1–18 invites us to consider how faith and love will lead us to take risks with our lives. Ruth takes a bold and vulnerable risk in approaching Boaz, not because she had everything figured out, but because she trusted in Naomi’s wisdom and ultimately in God’s care. Faith is never about having total control—it’s about trusting God when we don’t know how things will unfold. Likewise, love always involves risk. Ruth risks shame and rejection to express her love and loyalty, while Boaz shows his love by acting with integrity, not taking matters into his own hands, but protecting Ruth’s honor. Relationships in this life will always involve risk where we open ourselves up to the possibility of loss, hurt, or heartbreak. But we are freed to take these risks because we know God is sovereign and good. Ruth’s willingness to step forward was shaped by the kindness she had already seen in Boaz—and we, too, have seen the kindness of our Redeemer at the cross. That love gives us the courage to trust God and to step out in bold obedience and love, even when the outcome is uncertain. 

Ruth 3:1-18

Kyle Kauffman

Ruth 2:1–13 paints a beautiful picture of God's providence woven into the ordinary moments of life. Ruth doesn’t sit back waiting for provision—she steps out in faith, working hard to care for Naomi and herself. Her initiative reminds us that trusting God doesn’t mean becoming passive; rather, it frees us to work diligently, using our gifts and opportunities to meet needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual—while trusting God to provide through it all. As Ruth “happens” into the field of Boaz, we’re reminded that God is always directing our steps, even when we don’t see the full picture. Sometimes His hand is clear; other times, we walk by faith, trusting He’s at work even in our uncertainty. This passage invites us to rest in God’s providence—to believe He sees us, knows our needs, and protects us from harm, even when life feels fragile. Ruth’s awe at Boaz’s kindness invites us to worship with even deeper wonder: that the God of the universe sees us, notices us, and pours out His favor—not because we deserve it, but because of His great love, ultimately shown in the gift of His Son. 

Ruth 2:1-13