There are two books in our Bible that are named after women who were greatly used by God. Both of them reveal the sovereign purpose of the Lord and the beautiful way He uses those who simply believe and obey Him. In Esther we have a thrilling record of the providence and protection of God. In the little book of Ruth, we read an account of romance and redemption that points us to His unfailing love.

These are more than books of history! They are narratives of the divine nature – glimpses of God in the lives of ordinary people. I am excited to begin a brand new study with you on our daily Enjoying the Journey podcast. Join me as we walk together through The Gospel According to Ruth.

The Gospel is the good news of salvation. It was first promised in Genesis 3:15 and predicted by the Old Testament prophets. It was delivered in the person of Christ and explained in the epistles. You see, the gospel is not just the first four books of our New Testament – it is the message of the whole of Scripture!

J. Sidlow Baxter rightly referred to the Bible as “God’s unfolding drama of redemption.” And perhaps one of the most dramatic parts of that story is found in the short book simply known as Ruth. When we are done, I believe you will know the message of grace better, and I trust you will love Christ more.

It is not just Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John who tell us about the good news of salvation through a redeemer. This is the crimson thread woven through The Gospel According to Ruth. Take the time to read Ruth 1-4 today and plan to listen to this ETJ series over the next six weeks.

You may also want to visit our Study Ruth page at enjoyingthejourney.org/study-ruth. There are several full-length sermons and study tools to assist your personal study. Share the episodes with others and pray that God will use you, just as He used Ruth, to live and give the gospel.

About Scott Pauley