Ruth meats men with means.

Reading through the book of Ruth and I couldn't help but think of it as the story of the 3 widows - Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth; When Women Loose MEN But Not MEANS.


The Era of Judges was one of the darkest time in Israel history. It seems God had taken a break to let them be. It was a period of disobedience, idolatry, and violence. Even in those days, however, some people did what was right in God's eyes.


The book of Ruth records the good story of one such family. Later generations would recall that two widows, a covenant - keeping man, and a welcoming community followed God's will. Ultimately, David, the King Israel needed, came through these honourable people.


We live in a time where women have apparently been so "empowered" that we sometimes fail to see the place and role of men in their lives.


In this book, we see women who had leadership, presence and the guidance of men. It also appears that this men were not lazy men. They provided, protected and participated in their homes. When they returned to Bethlehem, there was land and a house waiting for them and while in Moab, it seems that they never lacked.


Naomi needed men in her life, and she had that through her husband and sons. The death of Elimelech comes 10+ years before his sons but Naomi was never worried until her sons died too. Her sons were her men and she was not worried even in a foreign land. The sons later get married and die and this is when the women ask themselves, "WHAT DO WE DO NOW?" When the men were there, that question was answered by their presence but now they're not.


The rest of the story is written in the Bible. Go read it. Another title that would work for this book would be "In Pursuit of a Man."

Bottom line, women need men.

Unfortunately, SOME men do not rise to their roles as priests, protectors, providers etcetera (and it's not a must you be married to be a man), and SOME women are quick to bring down men through words(discouraging/insults/backbiting etcetera) and lack of the same(affirmation).


What's the point?

1. Be a man (if you're male) to the women around you. Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion and Boaz are a great example.

2. Support and encourage boys to be men. Programs and presence(of other men) help a lot.

3. Don't beat down a man who's trying. Siku moja itajipa.

4. Be a man who cares for his workers and strangers. Boaz cared and blessed his workers.

5. Be a man of your word. Boaz kept his word to Ruth.

6. What are you thinking of after reading Ruth?

7. What do you hear God say to you as you read the book of Ruth? 

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