Ruth
Ruth 1:16–18 (ESV)
16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return 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 will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” 18 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.
Context:
•1 of only 2 books named after women
•Only book in the O.T. named after a Gentile (Luke)
•Only book in the Bible with more words from women than men
•In our Bibles, after Judges (why?)
•In Hebrew Bibles after Proverbs (why?)
Judges 21:25 (ESV)
25 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
HESED
“The consistent, ever-faithful, relentless, constantly-pursuing, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, furious love of our Father God.”
Frank Johnson
“Love with no exit strategy”
Paul Miller
3 Main Movements in the Book of Ruth
1) Shadow and Darkness (absence of hesed)
2) The shadows begin to dissipate (hesed arrives)
3) The light overcomes the darkness (results from hesed)
Movement 1 = Darkness and Misery, Suffering and Shadows
How God accomplished His Will:
1) Miraculous
2) Providence
Providence
1) “Light” providence
2) “Dark” providence
Mahlon = ill/weak
Chilion = fading/perish
Ruth 1:20–21 (ESV)
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 away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
Movement 2: Commitment and courageous hesed
Ruth 1:16–17 (ESV)
16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return 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 will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
Ruth 2:4 (ESV)
4 And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem.
Ruth 2:12 (ESV)
12 The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”
Ruth = “I am yours for the taking. You can have me for whatever.”
Movement 3: Light overcomes the darkness
God painting outside the lines:
How can he be both Loving and Just?
B. GROUP DISCUSSION
1) Read all of the Book of Ruth. Think about the themes and symbolism. Who is the hero in this story? What is it about? Why do you think Ruth is included by name in the genealogy of Christ?
2) What is your understanding of “HESED?” How would you explain it?
3) Sometimes shadows and darkness overcome us when we are being faithful. Sometimes they come as a result of a lack of Faith and God’s loving discipline.
What has your experience been with suffering and dark seasons, and why do you think they came upon you?
4) What does it mean to have HESED for God? Is it possible for us to grasp that kind of love for Him by faith?
5) What is the proof that God loves us with no exit strategy? Have you ever contemplated that He loves you like that….that you are the only option for Him, and He will never turn back from you?
6) Prayer and praise