THE BOOK OF RUTH One of the Greatest Love Stories of All Time The book of Ruth is a small but mighty book, a beautiful parallel to Ruth's journey as an ordinary woman on an extraordinary path as she followed the plan of a mighty God. In only four chapters, Ruth travels from loss and heartbreak to an unexpected romance and restorative love story. While Naomi, Ruth and Boaz are the central characters throughout the book of Ruth, it is God's heart for his people that takes center stage. If you have ever faced the unknown, experienced loneliness, encountered grief or known gut-wrenching devastation, this story and this study are for you. Together we will better understand the historical and cultural context of Ruth's story, even digging into the author's original language in order to best make sense of Ruth's significance in Jesus's genealogy as well as our own lives. I will share a bit of my own journey as someone who moved away from the place and people I called home and toward a new land filled with unknowns. Like Ruth, I centered my heart on God and committed to Him, saying, "Where you go, I will go," and like Ruth, I can now proclaim that my Redeemer lives. My prayer is that through the six chapters of this study, you also will commit your heart to following God, no matter where He leads you, and through that journey you will encounter the love and strength of a savior who redeems.