Series: Ruthless
Message: Breaking the Status Quo
Preacher: Jessyka Albert
Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 37:1-6.
Read: Ruth 2:17-23 - As you read in the ESV translation, what did you discover new about God’s character?
Reflect: In this section of Scripture, we again see Ruth’s dedicated character and work ethic. She gleans until evening and brings back her day’s work to Naomi. Here is the first time in the story we see Naomi perk up a bit. She says to Ruth in verse 20, “May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead.” Naomi begins to remind herself again of God’s dedication and love toward her. We see Mara, her bitterness, slowly begin to fade away.
Naomi then tells Ruth what we as the audience have known for quite some time: Boaz is a relative of Elimilech. He is one that can redeem these two widows. The two women who had lost everything are now beginning to see what the hand of God is holding out to them. Both women for different reasons have not been aware of the guidance of God in their lives. Ruth is still learning of this “new” God that she has fully adopted since moving back with Naomi, while Naomi has turned her face from the God whom she believes has taken everything away from her.
The story is just now picking up. We as the audience are watering the small plant of hope that is beginning to grow and watching these two women grow in their relationship with God.
Recalibrate:
Respond: Pray for trust.
Research: Read Ruth and Boaz: Strangers in the Land by Terri L. Fivash.