A Virtuous Example

I have a hard time choosing favorites when it comes to Bible verses, books of the Bible or men & women of the Bible.  I would have to say that the book of Ruth is really high up there.  I may even say it's my favorite (for now!) and I'm really encouraged by Ruth's testimony of love, obedience and hard work.  I'll not retell the story of Ruth here.  If you're not familiar with it, I encourage you to read it straight from the source.  The book of Ruth is only four chapters long.   Be blessed!

No doubt the Lord God is the hero of the Bible, and we should focus not so much on the people of the Bible, but rather on who God is and how he deals with those people.  We are called to be like Jesus (who is God) not like Bible characters (...be conformed to the image of his Son.  Romans 8:29).  However, I do believe they are there for an example and to be an encouragement to us.      

I love the following passage from Ruth.  

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  Ruth 1:16-17

I also love what Boaz said to Ruth. 

And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.  And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.  Ruth 3:10-11