Despair to Faith to Redemption

Biblical Text – Ruth 1: 1 - 22

Introduction

Ruth is one of the Books of history set in the period of the Judges, an era marked by apostasy, failure conquest and defeat (Judges 2: 15, 21: 25; Ruth 1: 1). The story of Ruth answers the question of crisis and pain, affirming God’s presence and power in people wrecked by the tragedy of life and provided important theological initiative for man’s future welfare and the way of grace. The story conveys a heartwarming faithfulness and devotion that Ruth demonstrated, a Moabite widow who leaves her homeland to be with Naomi, her widowed Jewish mother in-law in Bethlehem.

Naomi shows concern for the welfare of her daughters’ in-law by encouraging them to stay back in Moab when she was returning to Judah so her daughters in-law would find security and rest in remarriage. Naomi, after losing her husband and sons was without any form of security or economic support in a foreign land, but still had relatives in Bethlehem and returned during the barley harvests (Ruth 1: 22).

The objective of our study is to recognize that not all situations are unfair so that when we are in a situation that feels unfair, we should consider the greater good of how things play out in the Book of Ruth. Basically, God show concern for the wellbeing of others and He wants us to avoid the mentality of entitlement to anything because He owns everything and is interested in human welfare. To all intent and purpose, God is approachable to humans, He treat us with kindness and bless even the underserving regardless of circumstances to show love and care through active spiritual and emotional support.

This study is aimed to make us confident in God`s ability to guide and lead all future generations of people so we can trust God and take some steps of faith to receive provision and grace toward fulfilling our life purpose and destiny. Our study welcomes us to see how God honors the commitment of Ruth by guiding her to gather grain in the field of Boaz, a close relative and great – grandfather of king David through whom Christ would come. From this standpoint, therefore, the Book of Ruth affords a foreshadowing of the enlarged blessings of the mediatorial work of the Lord Jesus.

Questions

1. Such questions as where is God by people wrecked with tragedy, crisis and pain are common today. When trial and tragedy seemed to offer little hope and a future, people ask why should difficult things befall me especially when I’m doing my every best to serve and please the Lord.

A. In view of the historical provision in Deut. 11: 13 - 21, God has promised to care for Israel, highlighting the blessings of faithfulness and curses from disobedience. Reading Ruth 1: 1 - 22 in the way the story unfolds, briefly summarize the story and mention everything you think that brought Naomi and Ruth together.

B. In Ruth 1:1 - 5 famine displaced Elimelech and Naomi with their two sons from Judah to Moab. Reasoning from Lev. 19: 33 - 34; Isa. 16: 4; Ezek. 47: 21 – 23, trace any supporting initiative that is hope for those forced from their homes by wars, economic hardship and famine.

C. What’s a better modern day life crisis, natural disaster or tragedy you can speak of in the world today. What lesson have you learned from that, and in what way has that transform you.

2. In life, often, one problem leads to another. Reflect on Naomi’s prayer and blessings in Ruth 1: 8 - 14. Comment in view of Ophrah’s return and Ruth’s action to relocate to Bethlehem, a patriarchal society with Naomi her mother in-law.

A. In view of the parting words of Naomi in Ruth 1: 6 - 18, discuss what best describes Naomi’s understanding of God in her situation that she urged her daughter’s in-law to return despite Ruth’s faith in her God to accompany andstay with her in Judah.

B. The statement Ruth clung to Naomi in Ruth 1: 14 reveals an oath and loyalty to Naomi as a lifetime binding, a kind usually seen in marriage. Considering Ruth’s loyalty, what in your opinion is the surprising sacrifice that Ruth has made

C. From Ruth 1: 19 – 22, Naomi expressed profound pain that she wanted her name to be changed. Observe and comment from the life of Naomi some perspective on what bitterness is able to do in our lives from how the chapter concludes.