Week of June 3, 2024
Ruth is a story about tragedy, love, and hope. It’s the story of Ruth and Naomi. It’s our story. In the next 5 weeks, we will be immersed in this story as we seek God’s heart and movement in the lives of Ruth and Naomi and our own lives. I invite you to take this journey with me as we explore this unique book of the Hebrew Scriptures. I would encourage you to find a friend to share this journey with – to wrestle with the text and the questions to see what it might mean for your lives. Or someone who will just hold you accountable and ask you, “Did you read Ruth today?” Today we begin our journey!!!!
Monday | Ruth 1:1, Judges 21:25, Deuteronomy 28:1-6, 15-19
Ruth is a story set during dark times. We start our journey by noting that this beautiful story takes place during the dark period of the Judges. What can you determine from these three passages? God is introducing into this darkness a seed of hope from a place called Bethlehem which means, “house of bread.” Ponder what that might mean for us in the weeks to come.
Tuesday | Ruth 1:1-5
Ruth is a story about Immigrants. List the characters introduced into this story. Note the meanings of the names (if provided in your bible – or you can google) What would it have been like for them to be in a foreign country? What do you think it’s like for the refugees who are being brought to our community?
Wednesday | Ruth 1:3-14
Ruth is a story of heartache and tragedy. List the tragic events in the life of Naomi from this text. (Don’t ignore the fact that she has no grandchildren.) What is Naomi’s response to her circumstances? What are some of the tragic events surrounding your life? Read Psalm 13:1-2 as a cry out to God. How does having permission to cry out honestly to God feel to you? Finish the psalm and note how v. 5-6 give hope.
Thursday | Ruth 1:15-18
Ruth is a story about love. This passage is often read at weddings. Reflect on the commitment of Ruth’s words to Naomi. How does Ruth’s heart reflect the heart of God?
Friday | Ruth 1:19-22
Ruth is a story about disappointment and hope. Naomi changes her name to Mara – from “pleasant one” to “bitter”. How does Naomi describe her life? Who does she blame? If you were Ruth, how would you be feeling about all this? How does the last verse of Ruth 1 begin to infuse hope?
