The story of Ruth is one of the most beautiful narratives of redemption in the Bible. At its core, Ruth’s journey from Moab to Bethlehem mirrors our spiritual journey from sin to salvation through Christ. Just as Ruth left behind her old life in a foreign land, we too are called to leave behind our old ways and embrace the new life found in Jesus.
From a Distant Land to Nearness in Christ
In Ephesians 2:12-13, Paul reminds us:
“Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Ruth, a Moabite, was an outsider to God’s covenant people. She had no inheritance, no promises, and no future in Israel. Yet, in faith, she chose to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem, proclaiming, “Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). This decision represents the turning point in her life—a moment of faith where she left behind her past and embraced the God of Israel.
Likewise, before salvation, we were strangers to God’s promises, living in sin and without hope. But through Christ’s sacrifice, we are brought near, no longer foreigners but children of God.
Leaving Moab: The Cost of Discipleship
Ruth’s decision to leave Moab was not easy. She walked away from her homeland, her family, and her old identity. This mirrors Jesus’ call in Luke 9:23:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Coming to Christ means leaving behind our former way of life—our sin, our self-reliance, and our old identity. Like Ruth, we step out in faith, trusting that God will provide and lead us into something far greater than what we leave behind.
Bethlehem: The House of Bread and the Bread of Life
Bethlehem, which means “House of Bread,” was where Ruth found her redeemer, Boaz. It was also the birthplace of Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:35). Ruth arrived in Bethlehem broken and empty, but through her redeemer, she was restored and given a future.
In the same way, when we come to Christ, He fills our emptiness with the fullness of His grace. He redeems us from our past and gives us a new name and a new inheritance in Him.
Boaz as a Foreshadowing of Christ
Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer, points us to Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer. Just as Boaz willingly redeemed Ruth, bringing her into his family, Jesus redeems us, purchasing us with His own blood.
- Boaz showed kindness to a foreigner; Jesus welcomes sinners into His family.
- Boaz paid the price to redeem Ruth; Jesus paid the ultimate price for our redemption.
- Boaz took Ruth as his bride; Jesus takes the Church as His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27).
A Journey of Redemption
Ruth’s journey from Moab to Bethlehem is a powerful picture of our own salvation story. We start as outsiders, lost and without hope, but through faith, we enter into a covenant relationship with the Lord.
Her story is not just about physical provision but about spiritual transformation. God took a foreign woman, redeemed her, and placed her in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5). In the same way, He takes broken sinners, redeems them through Jesus, and makes them part of His eternal family.
Conclusion: A Call to Follow
Just as Ruth made the decision to leave Moab and follow Naomi to Bethlehem, we too must make a decision—will we stay in the land of sin and self-reliance, or will we step out in faith toward the Redeemer?
If you are still in Moab, know that Christ is calling you to Bethlehem, to the place of true bread, true redemption, and true hope. The journey may be uncertain, but the promise is sure—redemption, restoration, and eternal life in Jesus Christ.
