The book of Ruth is a story of how a woman became a bride. The book provides inspirational instruction about the steps leading to our ultimate destiny… to be the Bride of Christ at His return.The opening scenes of the book take place in Moab. Elimelech, a man of Bethlehem, and his wife Naomi, have gone to live in Moab to escape a famine in Judah. In Moab Elimelech’s two sons married native Moabite women.Elimelech dies, and in quick succession his 2 sons also die before any children are born. The 3 women [Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are now widows. Naomi hears the drought has ended in Israel and plans to go back home. Naomi encourages the young women to stay in Moab. Orpah kisses her mother goodbye, but Ruth insists on remaining with Naomi. They arrive in Bethlehem poor and destitute. So, Ruth goes out to glean in the field. She ends up gleaning in the fields owned by Boaz. He notices her… offers her protection and encouragement while she continues to work in his fields. Naomi, probably noticing that Boaz was showing Ruth favor advises Ruth to indicate her desire to marry Boaz. However, according to Levitical law, another kinsman has prior claim which Boaz must first address. Boaz redeems Ruth from this other kinsman and marries her.The book closes with Naomi, who had earlier lamented her loss and barrenness, rejoicing in her children through Boaz and Ruth. Ruth 1:22; Ruth 2:23 the main events of the book take place during the spring harvest in Israel.Note: Israel’s Spring Harvest lasted 7 weeks. The cutting of the wave sheaf on the day after the Sabbath [last Sunday March 31st] signaled the beginning of the barley harvest. The 1stharvest of barley was followed by the 2nd harvest which was wheat (which ripened later). These 7 weeks of harvest end with Pentecost. Who’s Who? In the AnalogyRuth = the one redeemed  to become a bride  Ruth is youBoaz = the redeemer  Who takes a bride  Boaz is Jesus ChristThe main themes of the book are redemption, marriage, and harvest. The time setting of the book is the 7 week period between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks… or Pentecost. Therefore its reasonable to assume the instruction and symbolism of this book are appropriate for a day like today. What can we learn?Ruth’s Total CommitmentRuth 1:15-18 Orpah returns to the idolatry of Moab, whereas Ruth wants to remain connected to the God of Israel… through her connection to Naomi.In these memorable words Ruth pledges her willingness to abandon everything: her homeland, her people, her religion… her whole identity… to follow Naomi.Colossians 3:5-11 This is total renunciation of self… the total commitment to a new identity. Isn’t this exactly what our baptism signifies? Isn’t this the solemn pledge we made… to become a new creation in Christ. Our commitment must be as thorough as Ruth’s. We must attach our self to the Israel of God and not let go.Ruth Was A GleanerWhen she agreed to return with Naomi to Israel Ruth was agreeing to help support an aging woman. Ruth was young and strong so she went to work in the fields gathering up the grain that the harvesters had dropped or left behind so she and Naomi could eke out an existence. It would have been exhausting, hot, and humbling work.Biblical law established this practice as a way even the most down and out people in Israel could earn a living. Leviticus 23:22 [Lev. 19:9-10, Deut. 24:19-21]. Principle: help the poor to help themselves. Ruth 2:2-3 Ruth’s labor as a gleaner was in the fields of Boaz… the man who would later become her husband. Here is another interesting symbol through which we can gain insight.What does a gleaner do? A gleaner does not sow the seed, they don’t water it or nurture the crop as it grows. The farmer [husbandman] who owns the field sows and nurtures. The gleaner is, by definition one who Is allowed to share in… and benefit from the difficult, complex, enterprising work of another.God’s purpose is to bring in a harvest. He owns the field, He provid