Studies in Ruth

A Goodly Heritage (Ruth 4:17-22)

After Ruth is redeemed by Boaz God bless them with a child. They named him Obed and he is the father of Jesse which makes him the grandfather of David the King. What a miraculous story Ruth goes from a Moabite to being in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-6).

In Psalm 16:6 David speaks of having a goodly heritage. If we consider Boaz and Ruth as part of his heritage then it makes perfect sense as to why David would say he has a goodly heritage. While having good Godly parents is no guarantee that a child will turn our right, it most certainly cannot hurt as we have seen over and over again in the word of God.

In this lesson we are going to identify some things in Ruth and Boaz that parents today need as well if they have any hope of providing a goodly heritage when they are gone.

Characteristic from Ruth and Boaz that we need today:

1)  They knew the value of Serving God (Ruth 1 ; Matthew 1:5-6)

• In Boaz and Ruth we see two people with interesting backgrounds. Ruth’s background is that of Moab as we see in the story, and Boaz’s mother was Rahab the harlot.
• Many parents are 1^st generation Christians, so it is easy for them to see the value in serving God. But their children are not 1^st generation and it is not as easy for them to see the value in serving God.
• This is why it must be real at home and not just real at church.

2)  They had good personal testimonies (Ruth 2:1 ; Ruth 2:4 ; 3:11)

• Children are very hard to fool sometimes. They are always watching and listening. They must see good testimonies and a genuine love for God. It is not that you will be perfect but they should not be confused as to your love of God and dedication to the things of God.

3)  They followed the Law (Ruth 2:2 ; Ruth 3:11-13 ; 4:1-10)

• Both Boaz and Ruth made sacrifices in keeping the Law. I fully believe that Boaz wanted to redeem Ruth. But if the closer kinsman had been able I believe Boaz would have accepted it.
• Children should see parents following the authorities in their lives as an example of how they should follow authority.
• When we make personal sacrifices or put ourselves out for the things of God, children take note.

4)  They trusted God (Ruth 1:16-17 ; 2:12 ; 4:1-10)

• At the end of the Day we just have to trust God, there are no guarantees so we give children a good example and the right opportunities and simple trust God.