So This Is Ruth
There is no unimportant person in the eyes of God. The story of Ruth shows that no person or circumstance in that person’s life is insignificant to God.
JUDGES 21:25 (NASB)
25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Ruth 1:16-21 (NASB)
16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.” 18 When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.
19 So they both went until they came to Bethlehem. And when they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was stirred because of them, and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” 20 She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went out full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has witnessed against me and the Almighty has afflicted me?”
HEBREWS 11:1 (NASB)
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
DISCUSSION
At the beginning of the Book of Ruth, Ruth makes the following statement: “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth 1:16b) Discuss this verse and its’ application in a Christian’s walk.
God is concerned about ALL people regardless of their background, ethnicity etc. How should that translate in our walk? (See Matt. 22:39)
Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi experience very difficult times in Moab, which cause them ultimately to return to Bethlehem. Can we learn anything during “difficult” times? If so, what?
During “difficult” times in our life, as a Christian, what is perhaps the most important thing to be focused on? (See Hebrews 11:1)
God can use anyone or anything to further His purpose. Can you site an example of this in your own life?
In this life we WILL have trials and problems (See John 16:33). How can we benefit from them? Be as specific as possible.
Ruth has a tough past, lost a husband, no children, years of famine, moves to an unfamiliar land… BUT it didn’t define her! Who and what defines you?
Many have experienced devastation in their life. We know people all around us who have also experienced devastating occurrences. If you had to identify a remedy for devastation, what would it be?
PRAYER
Lord, regardless of what goes on in my life, I believe you and your word above all else. Help me to stay focused on your truth, and not the reality that may surround me in this world. Help me to better understand the difference between reality and truth, that TRUTH may be may guide…
Then LISTEN for HIS response!
GIVING
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