- Judges 13 - 16
- Judges 13 - 16
- Judges 17 & 18
- HAVE A HAPPY 4th!!!
- Judges 19
- Judges 20
- Judges 21
- Ruth 1 & 2
- Ruth 3 & 4
- 1 Samuel 1
- Psalm 113
- 1 Samuel 2
- 1 Samuel 3 & 4
- 1 Samuel 5 & 6
- 1 Samuel 7 & 8
- 1 Samuel 9
- 1 Samuel 10
- 1 Samuel 11
- 1 Samuel 12
- 1 Samuel 13 & 14
- 1 Samuel 15
- 1 Samuel 16
- 1 Samuel 17
- Psalm 144
- 1 Samuel 18 & 19
- 1 Samuel 20
- Psalms 5 & 6
- Psalm 59
- Psalm 133
- 1 Samuel 21
- Psalm 34
Showing posts with label Ruth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ruth. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
July in Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, and Psalms
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Ruth 3 & 4 - Our Kinsman-Redeemer
 |
| Painting by Antonio Cortina Farinos [1841-1890] |
At this point in the story, Naomi stepped in as the matchmaker for the welfare of her daughter-in-law by suggesting Ruth go to the threshing floor. While sleeping at his feet could be interpreted as an immoral step, Naomi knew that Ruth was "a woman of noble character" (3:11). The uncovering of his feet was an Israelite ceremonial act. It was common for a servant to lie at the feet of the master and share a part of his covering. By this act, Ruth was informing Boaz that he could be her kinsman-redeemer by finding a near relative to marry her or marrying her himself.
A kinsman-redeemer was a relative who volunteered to take in the extended family. The law provided that a widow could marry a brother of her dead husband. This was called a "levirate marriage" (levir is the Latin word for a husband's brother) and is stipulated in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. If there were no brothers, the nearest relative to the deceased husband could become the kinsman-redeemer and marry the widow, but it was not a requirement.
Boaz, being an honorable man, knew that he was
not the nearest relative, but he was willing to go to the nearest relative, and if that man did not want to marry Ruth, he surely would.
Boaz praised Ruth for being willing to marry an older man like himself rather than a younger man who was not a relative. She had shown loyal lovingkindness to her first husband, Mahlon, by being committed to Naomi and seeking to carry on his family name (4:10). Boaz praised her for being a "noble woman." This is the same Hebrew word that describes the woman in Proverbs 31.
The nearer kinsman had the right to the property for sale (Leviticus 25:23-34). To qualify as a kinsman-redeemer, one had to be able to pay the redemption price. The nearest relative wanted to pay that price until he learned that Ruth was part of the bargain. That was too high a price for him to pay because it might endanger his own estate. Some have speculated it was because if a child were born through his union with Ruth, that son would have a right to his own estate, and that wealth would be transferred to Elimelech's family.
Regardless, the way was clear for Boaz to redeem Ruth, the Moabitess, and make him his wife. He could pay that high price. The passing of the sandal symbolized Boaz's right to walk on the land he redeemed as his property (Deuteronomy 1:36; 11:24; Joshua 1:3; 14:9).
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
This story has both historical and symbolic significance. Historically, Ruth and Boaz became the proud parents of Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David, and this line would continue to the Eternal King of all kings, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-16)!
Symbolically, it portrays a kinsman-redeemer (Boaz) coming for his bride (Ruth). This is a beautiful picture of Christ, as our kinsman-redeemer, coming for His bride, the church. Jesus paid the high price for our redemption!
REFLECTION
You have probably read this quote on a bumper sticker:
"Well-behaved women seldom make history."
This implies that women need to misbehave if they are going to make any progress in the world. The quote was written by historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich in a 1976 article about Puritan women.
In the article, Ulrich is lauding "well-behaved" women because they have quietly and humbly woven the fabric of history without a word being said about them in print. (I read A Midwife's Tale: The Diary of Martha Ballard by Ulrich, and she makes a similar point.
Ruth is an exception; she was very well-behaved AND her name is the title of one of the history books of the Bible (an honor given to only one other woman: Esther)! In addition, she is one of the few women in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1).
She embraced Israel's God, showed loyal lovingkindness to her mother-in-law, and exemplified humility and purity in her interactions with Boaz. God rewarded her with His loyal lovingkindness by giving her a kinsman-redeemer. Beautiful!
APPLICATION
We can make "quiet" history and change the world through our gentle, patient, humble ways. Ruth is such a good example for all of us.
I love this picture of Ruth. Try a Visio Divina with the picture!
The Latin words Visio Divina mean "Divine Vision/Seeing." This is an opportunity for you to look deeply at a picture and ask God what He wants you to see in it.
Art can speak to our deepest feelings, calling forth our own creative response to the creativity of the artist. Just as we can be moved by a beautiful sunset, or seeing the smile of a child, or hearing a wonderful musical symphony, often without knowing why, so a painting or sculpture can move us beyond words to some deep feeling, some movement of the heart towards God.
It can move us to a feeling of "I know not what" as C.S. Lewis put it, or, in another of his phrases, "being surprised by joy." Or, as Ignatius [of Loyola] would say, allowing us to experience "inner feelings" even responses of unease or discomfort are telling us something...and we can bring this movement to God in prayer.
This quote is from an introduction to a ten-minute guided recording called Praying with Art. You might like to listen to it as you look at the picture above.
PRAYER
Lord, Thank You for sending our Redeemer, Jesus, who paid the ultimate price for our salvation, by His death on the cross. Lord, give us the character of Ruth through Your Spirit working in and through us to bring glory to You. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Ruth 1 & 2 - Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz
LINK: Ruth 1 & 2
BACKGROUND
In the map, note the location of Bethlehem (below "Jebus" which is Jerusalem) to Moab on the other side of the Dead Sea:
BACKGROUND
In the map, note the location of Bethlehem (below "Jebus" which is Jerusalem) to Moab on the other side of the Dead Sea:
 | ||
| Palestine in the Days of the Judges Logos Bible Atlas 2.0 and are Copyright © 1997 Logos Research Systems, Inc. |
The story of Ruth occurred during the time of the Judges (perhaps during the time of Gideon). It is so nice to read a beautiful love story of light and hope amid such a dark time in Israel's history.
The famine in the land was probably God's act of judgment on erring Israel. During the time of the Judges, worship of the Canaanite gods, Baal and Ashtoreth, was common. Since the intercourse between these two gods was believed to give fertility to the earth, it would make sense that God would judge by making the land infertile.
Elimelech journeyed 50 miles east of Bethlehem (Ephrath is another name for it) to Moab to escape the famine. Jewish tradition regards the death of Elimelech, Mahlon, and Kilion as God's punishment for leaving the Promised Land and not trusting God for provision, but this is not stated in Scripture.
Ruth was a Moabitess. Remember that Lot's two daughters got him drunk, and Moab and Ben-Ammi were the fruit of that union which led to Moabites and Ammonites (Genesis 19:30-38). These nations would often war with Israel (Judges 3:12ff). While friendly relations with the Moabites were not forbidden because they lived outside the Promised Land, the inhabitants of Moab were not part of the congregation of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:3-6). Marriage to a Moabite was not forbidden in God's law like marrying those inside the promised land (Deuteronomy 7:3) but was not encouraged either since they were worshippers of the god, Chemosh (Numbers 21:29). We will soon see that Solomon's downfall was serving the gods of his foreign wives, some of whom were Moabites (1 Kings 11:1-6; Malachi 2:11).
But good thing Mahlon married Ruth, for she was a woman who chose Israel's God (1:16) and exhibited ḥeseḏ, which is the Hebrew word for loyal lovingkindness, toward the dead and her mother-in-law (1:8). This Hebrew word is a keyword in the book of Ruth (1:8; 2:20; 3:10). Ruth showed loyal lovingkindness to all, and the Lord showed his loyal lovingkindness (or covenantal love) to Ruth and Naomi. By the way, Orpah was not criticized for turning back to Moab. She simply obeyed her mother-in-law. (Yes, Oprah Winfrey's birth name was Orpah, but her family could never pronounce it correctly. Interesting to note that Oprah is in this spell check and Orpah is not, but I digress.)
Boaz was a prince of a man. I love my New Living Translation DVD
because his voice sounds so gallant! In the margin of the New American Standard Bible, it says he was a "mighty, valiant man." The same Hebrew word also describes Judges Gideon and Jephthah (Judges 6:12; 11:1). Boaz was a godly man also (2:4, 12). His actions toward Ruth in the fields proved his faith and character. The poor were allowed to reap (glean) the corner of the fields after the harvesters had left, but he allowed her to follow along with the reapers and drink with them. This was far beyond the requirements of the Law (Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22). Ruth received unexpected favor (ḥēn, "grace, favor, acceptance") from Boaz, but he had heard of her actions toward Naomi. Ruth responded to his kindness with humility. When Ruth reported all of this to her mother-in-law, Naomi's sorrow and suffering turned into joy.
I love this story! Keep reading. We will wrap this up tomorrow.
The famine in the land was probably God's act of judgment on erring Israel. During the time of the Judges, worship of the Canaanite gods, Baal and Ashtoreth, was common. Since the intercourse between these two gods was believed to give fertility to the earth, it would make sense that God would judge by making the land infertile.
Elimelech journeyed 50 miles east of Bethlehem (Ephrath is another name for it) to Moab to escape the famine. Jewish tradition regards the death of Elimelech, Mahlon, and Kilion as God's punishment for leaving the Promised Land and not trusting God for provision, but this is not stated in Scripture.
Ruth was a Moabitess. Remember that Lot's two daughters got him drunk, and Moab and Ben-Ammi were the fruit of that union which led to Moabites and Ammonites (Genesis 19:30-38). These nations would often war with Israel (Judges 3:12ff). While friendly relations with the Moabites were not forbidden because they lived outside the Promised Land, the inhabitants of Moab were not part of the congregation of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:3-6). Marriage to a Moabite was not forbidden in God's law like marrying those inside the promised land (Deuteronomy 7:3) but was not encouraged either since they were worshippers of the god, Chemosh (Numbers 21:29). We will soon see that Solomon's downfall was serving the gods of his foreign wives, some of whom were Moabites (1 Kings 11:1-6; Malachi 2:11).
But good thing Mahlon married Ruth, for she was a woman who chose Israel's God (1:16) and exhibited ḥeseḏ, which is the Hebrew word for loyal lovingkindness, toward the dead and her mother-in-law (1:8). This Hebrew word is a keyword in the book of Ruth (1:8; 2:20; 3:10). Ruth showed loyal lovingkindness to all, and the Lord showed his loyal lovingkindness (or covenantal love) to Ruth and Naomi. By the way, Orpah was not criticized for turning back to Moab. She simply obeyed her mother-in-law. (Yes, Oprah Winfrey's birth name was Orpah, but her family could never pronounce it correctly. Interesting to note that Oprah is in this spell check and Orpah is not, but I digress.)
Boaz was a prince of a man. I love my New Living Translation DVD
because his voice sounds so gallant! In the margin of the New American Standard Bible, it says he was a "mighty, valiant man." The same Hebrew word also describes Judges Gideon and Jephthah (Judges 6:12; 11:1). Boaz was a godly man also (2:4, 12). His actions toward Ruth in the fields proved his faith and character. The poor were allowed to reap (glean) the corner of the fields after the harvesters had left, but he allowed her to follow along with the reapers and drink with them. This was far beyond the requirements of the Law (Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22). Ruth received unexpected favor (ḥēn, "grace, favor, acceptance") from Boaz, but he had heard of her actions toward Naomi. Ruth responded to his kindness with humility. When Ruth reported all of this to her mother-in-law, Naomi's sorrow and suffering turned into joy.I love this story! Keep reading. We will wrap this up tomorrow.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Ruth 3 & 4
Background
In chapter three, Naomi sets things in motion! She realizes that Boaz is a close enough relative to act as their kinsman-redeemer. She instructs Ruth how to present herself as an offer of marriage – she was to make herself attractive by washing, anointing and dressing herself in her best clothes. Then she was to go secretly to Boaz’s threshing floor and as he was sleeping, uncover his feet and lie down and wait. Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions and when Boaz discovers Ruth, he understands what she is asking. He praises her merits and reveals his desire to redeem her but tells her that there is a closer relative with rights to redeem. He promises to settle the matter the next day.
Chapter four begins with Boaz, indeed seeking out the closer relative. The closer relative is all ready to redeem the land of Elimelech until Boaz reveals that marrying Ruth is part of the deal. The closer relative is no longer willing to be the kinsman-redeemer because it will jeopardize his own inheritance. He transfers the right to Boaz and Boaz takes Ruth as his wife. We are finally introduced to the fourth main character of story, Obed – the son of Ruth and Boaz who will get the inheritance of Elimelech. The story ends with Obed on the lap of Naomi, who is now full again. A brief genealogy is given at the end and it is revealed that this Obed is the grandfather of King David. (Note on Ruth 4:21 – Matthew 1:5 reveals Salmon’s wife is Rahab.)
Reflection
The role of the Kinsman-Redeemer is a major theme in the book of Ruth. From our reading and study of the books of Moses, we know that God is Israel’s Redeemer –specifically from their bondage in Egypt. In the Law, a family member could serve as a redeemer for one sold into slavery (Leviticus 25:47-55). In the New Testament, Jesus came to redeem mankind from the bondage of sin. It is interesting to see the parallels between the Kinsman-Redeemer Boaz in Ruth and the Kinsman-Redeemer Jesus Christ in the New Testament. For example look at the four requirements of a redeemer:
1. A redeemer must be a near kinsman – Boaz was. Christ fulfilled this by taking on human form. 2. The redeemer must be able to redeem – Boaz was a wealthy landowner. The blood of Christ was the only thing that could pay man’s debt.
3. The redeemer must be willing to redeem – Boaz is contrasted with the closer relative. Christ was willing to be our redeemer (Hebrews 10:4-10).
4. The redeemer must not need redemption himself – Boaz was free from debt. Only Christ was free from the debt of sin and therefore able to redeem mankind.
Boaz’s willingness to redeem Naomi and Ruth gave them freedom and rest. In the same way, Christ’s redemption of us brings us freedom and rest. Remember how bitter and empty Naomi was at the beginning of the story? Her redemption brought her happiness and fullness. In the same way, our bitterness and emptiness are restored in Christ.
Obed is also a picture of Christ in the book of Ruth. Five things said of him are also said of Jesus!
Redeemer (Obed – Ruth 4:14; Jesus – Gal. 3:13)
Restorer of Life (Obed – Ruth 4:15; Jesus – John 11:25)
Sustainer (Obed – Ruth 4:15; Jesus – John 4:14)
Name Famous (Obed – Ruth 4:14; Jesus – Phil. 2:9)
Servant (Obed’s name means servant – Ruth 4:17; Jesus – Matt. 20:28)
Application
In the book of Ruth, we see God working in the affairs of man in order to carry out His divine purpose. Can you think of a time in your life where you saw God working in the same way?
One thing that really strikes me about Boaz is his driven personality. It is the middle of the harvest season and yet he stops everything to resolve the redemption of Naomi and Ruth. It sounds like the closer relative was either clueless or ambivalent about his role, so Boaz’s urgency had to be because of his own integrity and desire to marry Ruth. How often do I make excuses for putting off the right thing or even something I want to do – “Oh, it’s really busy right now with the harvest and all and I don’t even think anyone else is going to jump in and take Ruth from me, so I’ll get to it later.” No! He jumped on it - I need to jump on the things God has given me to do, too!
Claim Jesus as your kinsman-redeemer. The problem of sin is the dilemma of mankind. We might pretend there is no god or that he cannot be known but really you can’t ignore the evil heart of man. What to do? Only Christianity has an answer to the problem of sin – man’s redemption was bought through the blood of our kinsman, Jesus, the Incarnate Christ. We our free from our debt of sin by claiming his death and resurrection as the basis of our faith and worship.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming as our kinsman-redeemer. We are in such hopeless bondage without you. Thank you for restoring us and sustaining us. May we praise you for your great and mighty work.
In chapter three, Naomi sets things in motion! She realizes that Boaz is a close enough relative to act as their kinsman-redeemer. She instructs Ruth how to present herself as an offer of marriage – she was to make herself attractive by washing, anointing and dressing herself in her best clothes. Then she was to go secretly to Boaz’s threshing floor and as he was sleeping, uncover his feet and lie down and wait. Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions and when Boaz discovers Ruth, he understands what she is asking. He praises her merits and reveals his desire to redeem her but tells her that there is a closer relative with rights to redeem. He promises to settle the matter the next day.
Chapter four begins with Boaz, indeed seeking out the closer relative. The closer relative is all ready to redeem the land of Elimelech until Boaz reveals that marrying Ruth is part of the deal. The closer relative is no longer willing to be the kinsman-redeemer because it will jeopardize his own inheritance. He transfers the right to Boaz and Boaz takes Ruth as his wife. We are finally introduced to the fourth main character of story, Obed – the son of Ruth and Boaz who will get the inheritance of Elimelech. The story ends with Obed on the lap of Naomi, who is now full again. A brief genealogy is given at the end and it is revealed that this Obed is the grandfather of King David. (Note on Ruth 4:21 – Matthew 1:5 reveals Salmon’s wife is Rahab.)
Reflection
The role of the Kinsman-Redeemer is a major theme in the book of Ruth. From our reading and study of the books of Moses, we know that God is Israel’s Redeemer –specifically from their bondage in Egypt. In the Law, a family member could serve as a redeemer for one sold into slavery (Leviticus 25:47-55). In the New Testament, Jesus came to redeem mankind from the bondage of sin. It is interesting to see the parallels between the Kinsman-Redeemer Boaz in Ruth and the Kinsman-Redeemer Jesus Christ in the New Testament. For example look at the four requirements of a redeemer:
1. A redeemer must be a near kinsman – Boaz was. Christ fulfilled this by taking on human form. 2. The redeemer must be able to redeem – Boaz was a wealthy landowner. The blood of Christ was the only thing that could pay man’s debt.
3. The redeemer must be willing to redeem – Boaz is contrasted with the closer relative. Christ was willing to be our redeemer (Hebrews 10:4-10).
4. The redeemer must not need redemption himself – Boaz was free from debt. Only Christ was free from the debt of sin and therefore able to redeem mankind.
Boaz’s willingness to redeem Naomi and Ruth gave them freedom and rest. In the same way, Christ’s redemption of us brings us freedom and rest. Remember how bitter and empty Naomi was at the beginning of the story? Her redemption brought her happiness and fullness. In the same way, our bitterness and emptiness are restored in Christ.
Obed is also a picture of Christ in the book of Ruth. Five things said of him are also said of Jesus!
Redeemer (Obed – Ruth 4:14; Jesus – Gal. 3:13)
Restorer of Life (Obed – Ruth 4:15; Jesus – John 11:25)
Sustainer (Obed – Ruth 4:15; Jesus – John 4:14)
Name Famous (Obed – Ruth 4:14; Jesus – Phil. 2:9)
Servant (Obed’s name means servant – Ruth 4:17; Jesus – Matt. 20:28)
Application
In the book of Ruth, we see God working in the affairs of man in order to carry out His divine purpose. Can you think of a time in your life where you saw God working in the same way?
One thing that really strikes me about Boaz is his driven personality. It is the middle of the harvest season and yet he stops everything to resolve the redemption of Naomi and Ruth. It sounds like the closer relative was either clueless or ambivalent about his role, so Boaz’s urgency had to be because of his own integrity and desire to marry Ruth. How often do I make excuses for putting off the right thing or even something I want to do – “Oh, it’s really busy right now with the harvest and all and I don’t even think anyone else is going to jump in and take Ruth from me, so I’ll get to it later.” No! He jumped on it - I need to jump on the things God has given me to do, too!
Claim Jesus as your kinsman-redeemer. The problem of sin is the dilemma of mankind. We might pretend there is no god or that he cannot be known but really you can’t ignore the evil heart of man. What to do? Only Christianity has an answer to the problem of sin – man’s redemption was bought through the blood of our kinsman, Jesus, the Incarnate Christ. We our free from our debt of sin by claiming his death and resurrection as the basis of our faith and worship.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming as our kinsman-redeemer. We are in such hopeless bondage without you. Thank you for restoring us and sustaining us. May we praise you for your great and mighty work.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Ruth 1 & 2
This winter I did a six week study on the book of Ruth…this short book is rich…and we only get two days to mull it over. I hope you enjoy it! It should be a peaceful change of pace after all the bloodshed in Joshua and Judges.
Background
The events of the book of Ruth take place during the days of the judges, which we just spent the last few weeks reading. This would be about one thousand years before the birth of Christ. Scholars debate when this book was written – some think Samuel was the author and others date it much later, during the monarchy period.
One of the neat things about this book for us who are reading the Bible from the beginning is all the references to things we’ve already read and studied. We have context for this book! Hopefully, the laws regarding redeeming, who the Moabites were and the period of the judges are familiar.
In chapter one, we are introduced to two characters; Naomi, an Israelite woman who went with her husband and two sons to Moab to find food during a famine at home in Bethlehem, and to Ruth, the Moabitess wife of one of her sons. (Remember who Moab was? He was the son of Lot and Lot’s oldest daughter. Later, his people would not allow Moses and the Israelites to pass through their land into Canaan and hired Balaam to curse Israel. That didn’t work, so they sent their women to seduce the Israelites. Obviously, not such a great history between the two people groups!) While in Moab, all the men die and Naomi is left “bereft” – and here is where the story of the book of Ruth really begins. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and releases her daughters in law of any attachment. They refuse, she insists and one returns home to Moab. However, Ruth refuses to leave her side and reluctantly Naomi allows her to accompany her. When Naomi is greeted by her friends in Bethlehem, she admonishes them not to call her Naomi (meaning pleasant, delightful) but instead Mara (meaning bitter, hard – remember the waters of Marah in Ex 15? You can bet that she is evoking this!) Also, in chapter one, Naomi references the custom of Levirate Marriage (described in Deuteronomy 25) – if a married man died without any children to carry on his name and inheritance, it was his unmarried brother’s responsibility to marry the widow so that “The first son she bears shall carry on the name of the dead brother so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel.” This will be significant later in the book. Also, the town of Bethlehem is significant as the hometown of King David and of course, the birthplace of Jesus the Christ.
Chapter Two begins with the introduction of the third major character in the book, Boaz! He is a wealthy landowner in Bethlehem and a relative of Naomi’s husband. Ruth “just happens” to glean in his field one day. (See Leviticus 19:9 for rules on gleaning.) Boaz has heard of how Ruth has devoted herself to Naomi and shows favor on her by allowing her to have his protection and to eat at his table. When Naomi hears of it, she is pleased.
Reflection
There are many themes revealed in the characters of the short book of Ruth.
On the one hand, we have Ruth, the Moabitess. She is a foreigner who naturally would have been despised but is given praise all over the book as a virtuous, kind, faithful and excellent woman. She is a young woman who was brave enough and had enough faith to put herself under Naomi, in spite of the fact that Naomi was a pretty bitter woman at the time. This is an example of Christian humility and love. She is also an example of the bride of Christ – in chapter three her preparation to be the bride of Boaz mirrors the church’s preparation – we wash in the Word (Eph 5:26), we are filled/anointed with the Spirit (Eph 5:18) and are to be clothed with righteousness acts (Rev 19:8). Her story also shows that God’s grace and mercy extend beyond Israel to include all peoples.
And then Naomi. Here is a woman that many of us can relate to because she is so honest. Her life has been hard and sad. She feels totally abandoned by God – in chapter one she declares that His hand had gone forth against her (13), He had dealt very bitterly with her (20), He had brought her back empty (21), He had witnessed against her (21) and He had afflicted her (21). I’d say that’s a pretty dark spot. As the book progresses, Naomi is brought to redemption, is reinstated and is full again. She regains hope. She is now Full vs Empty
Application
Who do you most identify with in these first two chapters? Have you ever gone through a time when you felt like Naomi? Have you been honest enough to admit any bitterness that you are harboring about that time? How should suffering affect a person’s attitude toward God?
Maybe you relate to Ruth or at least hope to be like her! She is such a beautiful woman of faith, humility and kindness to others. Maybe you know someone like Ruth – take time today to thank God for such a woman in your life – call her or send her a note telling her how much you appreciate her.
Application
Who do you most identify with in these first two chapters? Have you ever gone through a time when you felt like Naomi? Have you been honest enough to admit any bitterness that you are harboring about that time? How should suffering affect a person’s attitude toward God?
Maybe you relate to Ruth or at least hope to be like her! She is such a beautiful woman of faith, humility and kindness to others. Maybe you know someone like Ruth – take time today to thank God for such a woman in your life – call her or send her a note telling her how much you appreciate her.
Whenever I read Ruth, I can’t but help think of the relationship between me and my own mother in law. Perhaps you’ve thought about that, too. Is there anything you need to do about that relationship – is there anything you need to do to improve it? are you able to say prayers of blessing for her? is she amazing – tell her! I have two sons myself and pray that someday I will be a delightful mother in law to their wives.
Prayer
Prayer
Thank you for this sweet book of love, hope and redemption. I am reminded of how you use women of faith to reveal yourself. May we be people of faith who see you revealed in our lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
We will now begin our SUMMER SOAKING IN SAMUEL AND PSALMS! I am going to integrate the Psalms of David into the story that unfolds in 1 & 2 Samuel so you can get the context of these wonderful Psalms! I suggest downloading the bookmarks so you can follow along in your reading! It will be great fun and different from how we did it the first time in the Bible Book Club.