This week we start a new study series in the Old Testament. We will be looking at The Book of Ruth.

It’s not easy to find, because it’s very short. In stocking feet, Ruth is only 85 verses long. It helps to know that it is the eighth book in the Bible, but you may want to start looking for it now.

The Book of Ruth is one the great stories in Scripture and a favorite of many people (including me), even though most of the men are picked off in the first five verses. There is also a lot of talking. Over half of the book is dialogue, and for that reason it has been called the “Pride and Prejudice” of the Old Testament.

It is true that the Book of Ruth becomes a love story, but only when a manly man by the name of Boaz enters the picture. After that, there is some romance and drama, but also some mystery. We don’t know how the story will turn out. It’s a nail-biter. It also has a surprise ending.

The good news of Ruth is that however things appear, God is always working. By means of his mysterious grace, God is working out his purposes for good, not only in our life, but also on the whole earth. Best of all, the gospel of Ruth is a love story that points us the greatest love story of all time.