In the book of Ruth 1-4 is an amazing story of loyalty, unconditional love, and undying faith. The story starts with two daughters-in-law being given the choice to leave or stay with Naomi, their mother-in-law. Even though all the men in their lives were dead, Ruth chose to stay and honor her mother-in-law Naomi.

During a hard famine Ruth decided to go to Israel with Naomi to have a new beginning for their lives. While gathering barley for food Ruth was discovered by the landowner Boaz. As he learned about Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, Boaz became smitten by Ruth. When Ruth told Naomi about her meeting with Boaz, Naomi was overjoyed. It turned out that Boaz was a family member who could be a redeemer and could take Ruth as his wife.

Naomi advised Ruth to remove her mourning attire and dress as a woman who was available for marriage. When Ruth approached Boaz and asked him to redeem their family by marrying her, he told her to wait for an answer. During this time a closer family member who was available to marry Ruth and redeem the family was discovered. But when he found out her heritage he rejected her. Boaz knew Ruth and her high character. He accepted her with open arms.

If the story ended here it would be a mundane love story of common people. All of the characters in the story were chosen by God. The love, redemption, faith, integrity and grace that is found in this story can be found woven throughout humanity.

This story is about God’s redemption for mankind. Boaz and Ruth gave birth to a son named Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of David. The lineage of Jesus can be traced back to David. Jesus is the redeemer of all humanity.

When one chooses to be loyal to God’s purpose for their life they may think it only affects their family and neighbors. God may be choosing them to change the whole world. That is the true meaning of this story.

Hollis Stewart is minister at the Church of God.