RUTH

In the ritual we are told that the narrative of Ruth and Boaz, the foundation and keystone of this degree, teaches us to cherish in our hearts the virtues of Fidelity, Faithfulness, Hospitality, True Love for God and one another.

From the Internet I found the following introduction of the book of Ruth:

There are many reasons to study the book of Ruth, not the least of which is that Ruth is an interesting and absorbing history, a true story that provides many benefits and joys to the reader. "Ruth is an account of extreme testing of simple people, people who exhibit their trust in God under great duress". Ruth provides practical application of the concepts of God's grace towards believers.

Ruth shows how legal affairs and charity were exercised in the days of the Judges.

               Ruth provides a thorough picture of Redemption, through the agency of Boaz, the Kinsman-Redeemer, who  

           is a type of Christ in this respect.

               Ruth and Naomi were totally without resources, driven to the last extreme of poverty. "They owned only what  

           they could carry cross country.

               Ruth was positive to the Lord God of Israel" . She had seen something in the family's testimony that led her to  

           trust the Lord, Naomi's God.

               "Ruth learned that a redeemer existed. She waited patiently for the Lord's leading". From the moment she walked  

           into Bethlehem , she had a good reputation in the community.   She did not try to solve her own problems outside  

           of the Lord's will by trying to find a man to marry.

               This was temporal salvation in the sense that basic necessities would be provided. Of course, Ruth received far  

           more than the basics.

               For the rest of her life, Ruth enjoyed prosperity and a fruitful relationship with Boaz. David was her great  

           grandson. Ruth, a Gentile, was in the line of Christ.

  Ruth introduces us to the ancestors of King David. This is probably the best illustration of the blessings enjoyed by generations of godly people which is the result of yielding to the divine leadership of almighty God.

  Then, we are told how Ruth went with Naomi back to Judah, to take refuge under the wings of the God of Israel, and how, when she was going out to glean in the fields to eke out an existence, she came to a field owned by Boaz, a near relation of Elimelech, and became acquainted with this honorable and gracious man.

  The book of Ruth gives us the inner story of the spiritual and moral background of a family who walked uprightly before God and man and showed piety, great singleness of heart, modesty and purity of life.

  Ruth had a very strong desire for the God of Israel and His people, and she sought a relationship with God with great earnestness. Boaz was an upright "man of dignity", full of reverence for all of God's ordinances, and forthright in making practical application of godly principles.

  As Judah begat Perez from Tamar the Canaanite woman, as Salmon begat Boaz from Rahab the woman of Jericho , so the Moabite woman Ruth was incorporated into the family of Judah , from which Christ was to spring according to the flesh.

(Matthew 1:3-5)

         And Judas begat Pha-res and Za-ra of Tha-mar; and Pha-res begat Es-rom; and Es-rom begat  

                 A'-ram; And A'-ram begat A-min'-a-dab; and A-min'-a-dab begat Na-as'-son; and Na-as'-son begat  

                 Sal'-mon;

      And Sal'-mon begat Bo'-oz of Ra'-chab; and Bo'-oz begat O'-bed of Ruth; and O'-bed begat Jesse;

It is from such ancestors as these that David was descended.

Put all the facts together and you have a great family history. Ask yourself, how much was the character of Boaz affected by his mother Rahab's testimony and courage? He was known as "a mighty man of wealth", a distinguished citizen of sterling character.

And how much were the faith of Jesse, David's father, and of David himself, influenced by the momentum established by previous faithful generations?

This is a great family, distinguished in every generation by solid believers who set the relationship with God as the top priority in their lives. They subordinated all family, business, and social life to God's will and plan, and they enjoyed the many-generation blessings that accrued as a result.

It is my hope that after reading this as True Kindred, you will find time to not only read the book of Ruth, but you will take the time to learn and understand what is in the book of Ruth. For in the book of Ruth we will find the lessons that will enable us to live our lives as better "True Kindred".

As there is nothing in here that is of the secret work of the True Kindred, if you find someone interested in joining the True Kindred feel free to share this with them as it will give them some idea of what the True Kindred is about.

Byron E. Hams

Deputy Advisor

Betsy Ross Conclave No. 14

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