Ruth Carrying Naomi’s Instructions at the Threshing Floor
Ruth 3: 1 - 18
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, care and concern affirming God’s presence and power in people wrecked by the tragedy of life and provided importanttheological 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. Although Naomi show weaknesses and didn’t handle her trials well in the opening of the Book, where she concludes that Ruth has no chance of getting married and even changed her name from pleasant to bitter. her attitude has changed from that of despair to hope;
A. Naomi plans to do something and begins to take initiative instead of sitting in despair in her situation in Ruth 3: 1. What is the proof that shows Naomi has changed in her attitude, what could be responsible for the change seeing how she despaired of Ruth ever getting married again according to Ruth 1: 11-13
B. From Titus 2: 3 – 5, what Scripture qualities should older women have. In essence, what is Paul telling Titus older women should devote energy in leading do to help laid a solid foundation for young women in the church
C. In Ruth 1: 16 – 19, we can say Ruth knew Naomi well and committed to the God of Israel Naomi serves. From what we know about the character of these women, their action does not lack integrity. Comment on how Heb. 1: 3 and Col. 1: 15 highlight the idea that Ruth’s character can be attributed to Naomi’s influence by her God.
2. Because Jesus perfectly displays God’s character and attribute, likewise, we are expected to be reverent in behavior, teach what is good and train young men and women as future generation to continue serving God and expanding God’s kingdom
A. Young people in the world pridefully declares themselves to be masters of their own destiny and are quick to elevate their opinion and dismiss the opinion of others. From Acts 18: 24 - 26, comment on how Prisilla and Aquilla demonstrate their support and mentorship for Paul. Justify the possibilities that young men and women could blast priscilla and Aquilla mentorship today.
B. On one hand, the elderly and or couples show unwillingness to counseling youths or feel afraid. Quite on the other hand, youths avoid those who would want to counsel and provide life directions to them. With example, share the danger that this could result into.
C. Reading from 2 Timothy 2: 2 – 4. As shareholders of the faith, discuss why Timothy should accept Paul’s instructions as important to remain focus in ministry. What would you say to convince youths studying this text to embrace Paul’s counsel and excel in serving God.
3. Read Matt. 5: 14 & 16; Heb. 1: 3. In view of the striking colorful reference to Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory, what in your opinion is the great lesson of being the light of the world. What does it mean that Jesus upholds all things by the word of his power.
A. Knowing the rules of her own country in these matters, Naomi was able to instruct Ruth on the actions she should take that evening Ruth 3: 3 – 6. How do you understand Naomi’s plan to care and provide security from the community of her people in Deut. 25: 5 – 10
B. From Ruth 3: 7 – 15, Ruth quietly follows Naomi’s instructions and approach Boaz in the night. From a cultural perspective, some people will see Ruth’s action as inappropriate way to show interest in a man, others consider it acceptable. Share your view and use your insights to leverage on your point of view to convince others.
C. What is symbolized by the action she asks Boaz to take and in what way does his response protect her integrity Ruth 3: 9 – 14.
4. How does Boaz show his concern to follow the right procedures about kinsman - redeemers that have been laid down in God’s law according to Ruth 3: 12 – 13 (See. Deut. 25: 5 -10).
A. What other proof does Naomi now have that God is opening the way for blessing Ruth 3: 16 – 18
B. Today, women go to great lengths to catch a man, start dating to marry. From God’s perspective, what more is there to Ruth’s response than just obedience to the wishes of her mother in-law in Ruth 3: 5 - 8 that women could learned
C. In view of Paul’s counsel in Romans 12: 12 to rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer, how could believers use this passage to admonish others and show concern for their welfare and security
