Embracing Providence and Responsibility: The Story of Ruth
Summary
In the service at Liberty Live Church led by Zach, the campus pastor at Liberty in Smithfield, the congregation embarked on a journey through the Book of Ruth, a narrative rich with themes of tragedy, triumph, loss, gain, bitterness, and joy. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous period of the Judges, the story of Ruth unfolds, revealing the intertwined lives of a family and their progression from sin and sorrow to salvation, mirroring the redemption of Israel and ultimately the world.
Central to the message are two foundational principles: Providence and personal responsibility. Providence assures us that God will have the final say. The Book of Ruth showcases God's hand in every aspect of life, from famine to harvest, from death to birth, and from widowhood to motherhood. His sovereignty is evident in the minutiae of daily life and the grand scheme of nations. The story culminates in a revelation of God's unsearchable judgments and untraceable ways, affirming His ultimate control over all events.
Concurrently, the principle of personal responsibility calls us to live for God each day. The narrative demonstrates that while God's providence is clear, it operates through the decisions made by individuals. Daily choices, whether significant or trivial, accumulate to have extraordinary and eternal consequences for personal lives, the nation, and the world. The Book of Ruth teaches us that God's providence and our responsibility are not mutually exclusive but rather work in harmony.
The opening scene of Ruth's story begins with sin and suffering. A man named Elimelech, along with his wife Naomi and their two sons, leaves Bethlehem during a famine and seeks refuge in Moab, a decision fraught with ominous implications given Moab's status as an enemy of Israel. The subsequent deaths of Elimelech and his sons in this foreign land leave Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, as widows, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
As Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem upon hearing of God's mercy in ending the famine, she urges Orpah and Ruth to remain in Moab and seek new lives. Orpah tearfully departs, but Ruth clings to Naomi, making a profound declaration of loyalty and faith. Ruth's choice to follow Naomi and embrace her God represents a pivotal moment of conversion and salvation, not only for herself but also for Naomi, as Ruth carries within her the lineage that will lead to the salvation of Israel and the world.
Despite the beautiful commitment Ruth makes, the chapter does not end on a triumphant note. Naomi returns to Bethlehem, feeling empty and bitter, struggling to reconcile her sorrows with God's sovereignty. She renames herself Mara, reflecting her belief that God has dealt bitterly with her. This raw honesty about her pain and her wrestling with God's plan is a poignant reminder that even in the midst of divine providence, human emotions and understanding are complex and often conflicted.
The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of loss and love, sacrifice and salvation. It is a testament to the power of steadfast faith and the mysterious ways in which God weaves our stories into His grand narrative. As Ruth commits her future to Naomi's God, she exemplifies the call to follow God one day at a time, trusting in His providence to bring about His good and perfect will.
Key Takeaways:
- God's providence is not a distant concept but an intimate reality that weaves through the fabric of our daily lives. The Book of Ruth invites us to recognize God's hand in every circumstance, from the mundane to the monumental, and to trust in His ultimate plan for our lives and the world. This trust does not negate our pain but offers a foundation of hope amidst our struggles. [37:22]
- Personal responsibility in the Christian life is not about earning God's favor but about responding to His providence with faithfulness. Our daily decisions matter and contribute to God's unfolding story. We are called to live with intentionality, knowing that our choices have the power to echo into eternity and impact not just our own lives but those around us and beyond. [39:39]
- The story of Ruth is a powerful illustration of sacrificial love and loyalty. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi, despite the uncertainty and potential hardship, challenges us to consider how we might demonstrate similar devotion in our relationships. True love often calls for self-sacrifice and a commitment that transcends personal gain. [57:01]
- In times of sorrow and loss, God often cultivates the most meaningful and precious relationships in our lives. These relationships can be a source of great comfort and strength, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. The church community plays a vital role in providing this support, just as Naomi and Ruth supported each other. [01:06:39]
- The Christian journey is marked by moments of decision, where we stand at a crossroads between the past and the future. Like Ruth, we are invited to leave behind what is familiar and comfortable to embrace a life of following Jesus. This decision is a daily act of faith, trusting that God's providence will guide us to a future filled with His goodness and grace. [01:12:46]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ruth 1:1-22 - The opening chapter of the Book of Ruth, which sets the stage for the themes of providence, personal responsibility, and sacrificial love.
2. Romans 11:33 - "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" - This verse was referenced to highlight God's providence. [37:22]
3. Matthew 16:24-25 - "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.'" - This passage was alluded to when discussing Ruth's sacrificial decision to follow Naomi. [55:27]
### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances that led Elimelech and his family to move to Moab? (Ruth 1:1-2)
2. How did Naomi react upon returning to Bethlehem, and what did she ask to be called? (Ruth 1:20-21)
3. What was Ruth's declaration to Naomi, and why was it significant? (Ruth 1:16-17)
4. How does Romans 11:33 relate to the theme of God's providence in the Book of Ruth? [37:22]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Naomi's decision to return to Bethlehem reveal about her faith and understanding of God's providence? [46:39]
2. How does Ruth's choice to stay with Naomi illustrate the principle of personal responsibility in the Christian life? [55:27]
3. In what ways does the story of Ruth and Naomi challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty and human suffering? [59:10]
4. How does the concept of "taking up your cross" as mentioned in Matthew 16:24-25 apply to Ruth's actions and decisions? [55:27]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like Naomi, experiencing bitterness and loss. How did you see God's providence at work in that situation, even if it was not immediately apparent? [59:10]
2. Ruth made a significant sacrifice by choosing to stay with Naomi. Is there a relationship in your life where you feel called to demonstrate sacrificial love and loyalty? How can you take a step towards that this week? [57:01]
3. Naomi's return to Bethlehem was marked by a sense of emptiness and bitterness. How can the church community support individuals who are going through similar feelings of loss and sorrow? [01:06:39]
4. Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and her God was a pivotal moment of conversion and salvation. Have you had a similar moment in your faith journey? How did it change your perspective and actions? [52:34]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of daily decisions and personal responsibility. What is one small, intentional decision you can make this week to live more faithfully for God? [39:39]
6. Naomi's story shows that even in our darkest moments, God is weaving a greater narrative. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you face challenges and uncertainties? [01:08:01]
7. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi led to a future she could not have imagined. Is there an area in your life where you need to trust God's providence more fully, even if the future seems uncertain? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [55:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Intimate Providence
God's providence is intricately woven into the fabric of our lives, guiding us through every moment and challenge. This divine guidance is not merely a distant oversight but a personal involvement in the details of our existence. The Book of Ruth invites us to see God's hand at work, not only in the grand narrative of history but also in the seemingly insignificant aspects of our daily routines. It is in the ordinary and the extraordinary that we can discern the movement of God's will, shaping our lives and the world around us. This realization does not diminish the reality of our struggles but rather provides a foundation of hope that sustains us through every season of life. As we acknowledge God's providence, we learn to trust more deeply in His plan, even when our path is marked by pain and uncertainty. This trust is not passive; it is an active reliance on God's faithfulness, which empowers us to face each day with courage and expectation. [07:40]
Psalm 139:1-3 (ESV)
"O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."
Reflection: How have you seen God's providence in your life this week, and how can you cultivate a deeper trust in His guidance for the future?
Day 2: Living with Intentional Responsibility
Our daily decisions carry weight in the unfolding story of God's providence. While we rest in the assurance of God's sovereignty, we are also called to act with intentionality, knowing that our choices have lasting implications. The narrative of Ruth demonstrates that our personal responsibility is not about earning favor but about responding to God's grace with faithfulness. Each choice we make, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan. This understanding of responsibility encourages us to live each day with purpose, aligning our actions with God's will and embracing the opportunities He presents to us. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are reminded that our actions are significant and that through them, we participate in God's transformative work in the world. [39:39]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that aligns with God's will and demonstrates your commitment to living responsibly under His providence?
Day 3: The Power of Sacrificial Love
Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi exemplifies the depth of sacrificial love and loyalty that we are called to embody in our relationships. Her choice to leave behind her own people and cling to Naomi, despite the uncertainty of the future, challenges us to consider the extent of our devotion to others. True love often requires self-sacrifice and a willingness to put the needs of others before our own desires. This kind of love is countercultural, reflecting the selfless nature of Christ's love for us. As we reflect on Ruth's decision, we are inspired to demonstrate similar dedication in our own lives, knowing that such love has the power to transform hearts and circumstances. [57:01]
1 John 3:16-18 (ESV)
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the sacrificial love you have received from Christ, and how can you show them this love in a tangible way today?
Day 4: Cultivating Relationships in Sorrow
In times of sorrow and loss, God often brings people into our lives who provide comfort, strength, and companionship. The relationship between Naomi and Ruth illustrates how God uses our deepest trials to forge bonds that can withstand the harshest of circumstances. These relationships are a testament to God's care for us, reminding us that we are never truly alone. The church community, in particular, is called to be a place where such relationships flourish, offering support and encouragement to those who are struggling. As we walk through our own valleys, we can take solace in the knowledge that God is at work, using our pain to create connections that reflect His love and compassion. [01:06:39]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: How can you be a source of comfort to someone in your community who is experiencing sorrow, and what steps will you take to strengthen that relationship?
Day 5: Embracing a Life of Faithful Following
The Christian journey is marked by decisive moments that call us to step out in faith, leaving behind the familiar to embrace a life committed to following Jesus. Ruth's decision to go with Naomi represents such a crossroads, where the choice to follow God leads to a future filled with His goodness and grace. Each day presents us with opportunities to make similar decisions, to choose faith over fear, and to trust in God's providence. As we make these choices, we are invited to experience the fullness of life that comes from walking in obedience to God's will. This daily act of faith is a testament to our belief in God's promises and our desire to see His kingdom come in our lives and in the world. [01:12:46]
Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV)
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith, and how can you begin to take action on that call today?
Quotes
1) "A happy ending is coming, but this is only chapter one. The author of a great book doesn't put the ending in chapter one." [01:08:46] (Download)
2) "Sometimes God has to bury our plan so he can bring his plans to life." [01:09:35] (Download)
3) "God often cultivates the most meaningful and precious relationships in our lives during times of sorrow and loss." [01:05:56] (Download)
4) "God's providence and our responsibility are not mutually exclusive but rather work in harmony." [39:39] (Download)
5) "Ruth's choice to follow Naomi and embrace her God represents a pivotal moment of conversion and salvation, not only for herself but also for Naomi." [57:46] (Download)
6) "Ruth has left every bit of Safety and Security but she has found a true salvation: 'Your God will be my God.'" [56:21] (Download)
7) "In the midst of pain and sorrow, God often gives us some of the most meaningful and precious relationships that we have." [01:05:56] (Download)
8) "The same Sovereign Lord that permitted these great Sorrows has also planned for her a glorious salvation." [01:03:41] (Download)
9) "We want to sometimes insist on putting the bow on everything right, and that's coming, but not yet. We'll have to be patient for it." [58:30] (Download)
10) "The story of these three men serves as a reminder to would-be prodigals that we don't have forever to return home." [45:56] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?