The Gospel According to Ruth

Day One Publications have published a new book of devotional studies in the Book of Ruth by Rev Dr Iain D. Campbell. These studies first appeared on this website. The book is available from Christian bookshops or from Day One Publications. The ISBN is 9037 36-8 and the book is priced at £5.99.

The following reviews of this book have appeared:

In the Evangelical Times, April 2004

This book has an attractive look to it, with a legible typeface and good layout. How about its content? There is dispute among scholars about the book of Ruth's authorship. Eli, Gad, Nathan, Hezekiah, Ezra and Samuel have all been suggested, but doubt here need not detract from the plain truths of this commentary.

The author quotes Warren Wiersbe on Ruth: 'The first chapter is presented as the weeping chapter; the second as the working chapter; the third as the waiting chapter; and the fourth as the wedding chapter' - an excellent summary. The times in which Ruth lived, like today, knew the curse of spiritual individualism - 'the one great feature of this whole period was that Israel neither paid attention to the message or to the messengers ... every man claimed his right to live as he claimed; men did what they wanted and God was left out'.

So there is plenty of instruction here relevant to our present lawless age, and Iain Campbell expounds it all with clarity and relevance. I was favourably impressed by this book's evangelistic thrust. 'Ruth is no longer a Moabitess; she is now the wife of Boaz ... [she] moves from being estranged from the redeemer to being his bride'. Here is the gospel of Christ's redeeming love.

There is an introduction to the idea of types of Christ in the Old Testament. And, above all, Ruth shows we must trust in God in all times. Another compelling quote: 'We need to keep the perspective of faith! Otherwise we will be under the tyranny of circumstances'.

This is an excellent introduction, helpful to the young believer and challenging for the more mature saint. I have no hesitation in recommending this volume.

-- Jim Handyside, Glasgow

In the Stornoway Gazette, 3 April 2003

It is a pleasure to commend to readers this little volume of 11 devotional studies in the book of Ruth from the busy pen of the minister of Back. Originally preached by Dr. Campbell in his own congregation, these studies in one of the most captivating of biblical books retain their sermonic form yet read remarkably well. Not all sermons make a successful transition to the printed page!

The book of Ruth contains one of the great love stories of the Bible, indeed of all literature. On that level alone it holds great interest. These studies, however, are concerned to take us deeper and, as the title suggests, invite us to explore the way in which the great themes of the Christian gospel, centered in Christ himself, find illustration in this book. It was Luther who said that 'the entire Scripture deals only with Christ everywhere'. In recognising him to be the focus of the Old Testament, as of the New, we are able to begin to appreciate the depths of meaning which books like Ruth contain. Some of these depths are sounded here.

These studies present the story of Ruth as, effectively, 'the Old Testament in miniature'. The great themes of sin and grace, of covenant blessing and chastisement, of God's welcome of Gentile 'strangers and foreigners' into his own covenant community and the coming of a Son (Ruth's and David's) as Redeemer, are all skilfully handled from the narrative in an eye-opening and heart-warming manner. Ruth's union with Boaz is helpfully treated as a prefigurement of the archetypal marriage - that of Christ and the church, the Lamb's wife of the book of Revelation.

Throughout these studies the author is concerned to apply the truth he handles to the practical concerns of Christian experience and living. He writes from a pastor's heart and to the heart. There is much in this work to nourish and strengthen faith, as God's promises, God's providences and God's provision in the story of Ruth are set out.

Those passing through trying times in their life will find particular help here., for this is 'a story about experiences that are hard to bear and about burdens that are difficult to carry; about heartache and loss'. But it is also about 'God providing food when there is no food, and shelter when there is no shelter, and hope when there is no hope, and blessing when there is no blessing.'

I wish this fine work a wide readership and look for more of the same from its author.

-- Rev Dr Angus Morrison

In Evangelicals Now, July 2003

As the subtitle to this book suggests, these studies are devotional. In a foreword, the author says they were first delivered as a series of sermons to a congregation on the Isle of Lewis. However, they have transferred from the spoken to the written word effectively and are easy to read and follow.

These studies are in 11 sections and Iain Campbell looks at the book of Ruth not only as a moving love story, but as reflecting the grace of God, whereby we sinners can come into relationship with the living God. Each of the studies in some way opens up the wonder of what God has done for us: the Saviour is exalted continuously in his redeeming work and the benefits that flow from it. The exposition of the text is illuminating and helpful, the application heartwarming and often challenging: 'Does our profession have substance and meaning? Or does our life argue against our profession? Do our actions and words and behaviour in our homes and families and communities argue against the very profession we are making as Christians?'

The book could be used by busy people who need refreshment in the Word, because it is divided into sections which can be read as entities. In fact, I would commend this book to everyone as a treat for mind and soul.

-- Sonia Wardle, London