Trust in God’s Loving Care and Show Concern for Others Ruth 2: 1 - 23
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 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
Ruth 1: 12, 20 – 21 shows that Naomi is left without any form of security or economic support in a foreign land. She feels bitter and is not afraid to confront God with her desperate situation.
A. Assuming she has faith and was aware it was the time for barley harvest and there would be food (Ruth 1: 22), mention and discuss, as important any additional reason she still had to have returned to Bethlehem.
B. The Bible highlights relatives as a foundational aspect of a family unit. Attempt to expand on the concept of a family emphasizing specific guidance within family relationship from Acts 16: 31 – 34; Mal. 4: 5 – 6; Col. 12 – 13; Lev. 18: 6; 1 Tim. 5: 8; Prov. 31: 15 – 17; Eph. 6. 1 – 4
C. Naomi, showed concern for her daughters in - law to find security and rest in remarriage. Also, despite no sign of God’s care and provision, Ruth continues to follow Naomi. What character traits do you see in Ruth similar to Rowland Bingham during his mission, any basic principles we can apply today
Read Ruth 2: 1 – 7; Lev. 23: 22 and stablish from the following Scriptures the aspects of God’s character as the source from where the benefit of Naomi’s provision came from.
A. People try to show trust in God’s loving care by the way they live, work, and show concern for others. Provide a clear reason to justify the statement from Philemon 1: 18; 1 Cor. 1: 10 – 12; 2 Corinth. 8: 1 – 12; Phil. 4: 10 – 20
B. In view of Ruth’s reputation, what do you think Boaz provide for Ruth as an alien and widow who could have been abused according to Ruth 2: 8 - 11.
C. Since gleaning laws were not always applied to the poor with a genuine caring spirit by land owners. Read Col 3: 23 and Prov. 14: 23 and comment on what could have been responsible about Ruth that turned into a blessing for her and Naomi in Ruth 2: 14 – 18
1 Thess.5: 16 -18 and Phil. 4: 4; Rom: 12: 12 is a command from Apostle Paul, encouraging believers to maintain a constant joyful, and thankful disposition toward God, demonstrating a spirit of dependence and continual awareness of his presence always because though circumstances change, God does not change.
A. Trace the two things that gives Naomi reasons to thank God because he has not stopped showing kindness to her in Ruth 2: 19 – 21. In addition, what is the image that Boaz presented himself to Ruth in his advice. Give your opinion and suggestion in the context of how Ruth acted.
B. In modern Africa, Boaz advice emphasizes a danger that makes Naomi happy to see that Ruth was safely home after her day in the barley field. Mention the danger and discuss why Naomi should be happy.
C. Neglect for advice is very disturbing in our world and breaks young men and women, homes, relationship and families today. Read and recommend how people should act in a particular situation according to 1 Kings 12: 6 – 8; Prov. 6: 20 - 23; Prov. 23: 19 - 21 Jer. 28: 7; Luke 14: 28 – 30; Matt. 6: 2; Exo. 20: 12; Heb. 10: 24 – 25; 1 Pet. 5: 6 - 7
3.
