Series: Ruthless
Message: Redefining the Status Quo
Preacher: Jessyka Albert

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 37:12-20.

Read: Ruth 3 - As you read in the NLT translation, what did you discover new about God’s character?

Reflect: Although it is becoming more common in today’s day and age, it is somewhat against the status quo for a woman in 2016 to propose to a man in 2016. In Ruth’s time, this was unheard of. Discussion took place between the fathers and with the man that a daughter was going to marry. But here, we see Naomi, Ruth’s “mother,” giving her directions of how to “find a home.” 

Naomi’s love and care is revealed here. Her motherly instincts to want what is best for Ruth have broken through her grief and she is able to clearly thing of a way for Ruth to have a family and be provided for again. We will look further into the implications of Naomi’s instructions in tomorrow’s Daily Walk. 

After Naomi gives Ruth the step by step instructions, Ruth answers with, “I will do whatever you say.” She boldly answers this call without knowing the outcome. By faith, Ruth goes to the threshing floor, dressed in her best clothes, drenched in perfume and veins full of adrenaline. Again, we do not see God giving specific instructions to either Naomi or Ruth, but we know that he is at work in this story. Verse six leaves us with a cliffhanger. “So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.”

Recalibrate: 

1. How can you tell that God is at work in your life and in your decisions even if you do not feel that he has specifically told you?
2. In what ways does God guide and direct you?

Respond: Pray for guidance and courage in your decisions.  

Research: What the customs of marriage were in the time of Ruth and Boaz.