Finding Hope in Suffering: The Story of Ruth
Summary
Ruth chapter 1 introduces us to a story of profound suffering and unexpected hope. We began by reflecting on the real-life story of Catherine and J. Wolf, who faced unimaginable trials after Catherine suffered a near-fatal stroke. Their journey of finding joy amidst pain serves as a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God, a theme that resonates deeply with the narrative of Ruth. Catherine and J. Wolf's ministry, "Hope Heals," challenges the myth that joy is only found in a pain-free life, reminding us that God is present even in our suffering.
The backdrop of Ruth's story is set during the time of the judges, a period marked by moral chaos and spiritual decline in Israel. The phrase "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" captures the essence of this era, drawing parallels to our contemporary culture where subjective truth often prevails. In this context, we meet Elimelech, whose name ironically means "my God is king," yet his actions suggest otherwise. Driven by fear and desperation due to a famine, he relocates his family from Bethlehem, the "house of bread," to Moab, a land with a history of enmity with Israel.
Elimelech's decision leads to a series of tragic events, culminating in his death and the deaths of his sons, leaving Naomi, his wife, and her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, in a state of despair. Naomi, whose name means "pleasant," returns to Bethlehem with Ruth, feeling bitter and empty. Yet, amidst this bitterness, Ruth's unwavering loyalty and commitment to Naomi shine through, embodying the essence of friendship and compassion.
The narrative of Ruth chapter 1 invites us to grapple with the complexities of suffering and the sovereignty of God. It challenges us to trust in God's plan, even when it seems hidden from view. The story of Ruth and Naomi is a reminder that God is both great and good, working behind the scenes to bring about redemption and hope. As we journey through this series, we are encouraged to embrace the reality of suffering, trusting that God can transform our pain into a story of hope and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
1. Suffering is not the absence of God's goodness: Catherine Wolf's testimony reminds us that suffering is never a mistake or the end of the story. God is present in our pain, and His sovereignty assures us that He can turn tragedy into joy. This truth challenges us to trust in God's plan, even when we cannot see it. [02:32]
2. The danger of subjective truth: The time of the judges was marked by moral chaos, as everyone did what was right in their own eyes. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today, highlighting the dangers of living without absolute truth. When we prioritize our own desires over God's truth, we risk falling into patterns of sin and rebellion. [06:26]
3. The impact of our choices on others: Elimelech's decision to move his family to Moab had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only his own life but also the lives of his family. Our choices, especially as parents, have the power to shape the spiritual legacy of our children. We must prioritize God's will in our plans to ensure a gospel-centered legacy. [13:03]
4. God's sovereignty in suffering: Ruth chapter 1 emphasizes God's sovereignty, reminding us that He is both great and good. Even in our suffering, God is in control, working all things for our good and His glory. This truth provides comfort and hope, allowing us to trust in His plan even when we face trials. [30:30]
5. Hope in the midst of suffering: The story of Ruth points us to a future hope, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As believers, we have access to a hope that transcends our present circumstances. Our suffering is temporary, and we can look forward to the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ. [34:30]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:32] - Catherine and J. Wolf's Story
[06:26] - The Time of the Judges
[11:33] - Elimelech's Decision
[12:20] - Tragedy Strikes
[13:03] - The Impact of Choices
[14:37] - Naomi's Bitterness
[18:06] - Ruth's Loyalty
[22:30] - Return to Bethlehem
[24:18] - Honest Bitterness
[27:15] - Wrestling with God
[28:33] - Trusting God's Plan
[29:30] - God is Great and Good
[32:03] - Redemption and Hope
[33:44] - A Greater Hope in Christ
[36:22] - Eternal Perspective
[39:41] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ruth Chapter 1
Bible Reading:
- Ruth 1:1-22
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Observation Questions:
1. What significant events led to Naomi and Ruth's return to Bethlehem? How did these events shape their journey? [12:20]
2. How does the story of Catherine and J. Wolf relate to the themes of suffering and hope in Ruth chapter 1? [02:32]
3. What was the cultural and spiritual climate during the time of the judges, and how did it influence Elimelech's decision to move his family to Moab? [06:26]
4. How does Naomi express her feelings about her situation upon returning to Bethlehem, and what does she request to be called? [22:30]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Ruth and Naomi challenge the belief that suffering is a sign of God's absence or displeasure? [30:30]
2. In what ways does the narrative of Ruth chapter 1 illustrate the impact of personal choices on others, particularly in the context of family and legacy? [13:03]
3. How does Ruth's loyalty to Naomi reflect the themes of friendship and compassion, and what might this suggest about the nature of true commitment? [18:06]
4. How does the concept of God's sovereignty provide comfort and hope in the midst of suffering, as seen in both the story of Ruth and the testimony of Catherine and J. Wolf? [34:30]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced suffering or hardship. How did you perceive God's presence during that time, and how might the story of Ruth and Naomi encourage you to see God's hand at work even in difficult circumstances? [30:30]
2. Consider the choices you make in your daily life. How do you ensure that these decisions align with God's will and contribute to a gospel-centered legacy for your family? [13:03]
3. Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi is a powerful example of friendship. How can you demonstrate similar loyalty and compassion to those in your life who are experiencing suffering or hardship? [18:06]
4. The sermon highlights the danger of subjective truth. How do you navigate the tension between cultural norms and biblical truth in your own life, and what steps can you take to prioritize God's truth in your decisions? [06:26]
5. Naomi's honesty about her bitterness is a reminder that God welcomes our raw emotions. How can you create space in your spiritual life to express your true feelings to God, and what role might community play in supporting you through these emotions? [24:18]
6. The story of Ruth points to a future hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ. How does this eternal perspective influence the way you approach current challenges, and what practical steps can you take to keep this hope at the forefront of your mind? [34:30]
7. Reflect on the role of community in enduring suffering. How can you actively engage with your church or small group to support others in their times of need, and how might this also strengthen your own faith journey? [37:29]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence in Our Pain
In the midst of suffering, it can be easy to feel abandoned or forgotten. However, the story of Catherine and J. Wolf serves as a powerful reminder that God is present even in our darkest moments. Their journey through unimaginable trials after Catherine's stroke illustrates that suffering is not the absence of God's goodness. Instead, it is an opportunity to experience His sovereignty and grace in profound ways. This truth challenges us to trust in God's plan, even when it seems hidden from view. We are reminded that God can turn tragedy into joy, and our pain is never the end of the story. [02:32]
Psalm 34:18-19 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt God's presence during a difficult situation. How can you hold onto that experience to trust Him in your current struggles?
Day 2: The Perils of Subjective Truth
The era of the judges was marked by moral chaos, as everyone did what was right in their own eyes. This period serves as a cautionary tale for us today, highlighting the dangers of living without absolute truth. In a culture where subjective truth often prevails, we are reminded of the importance of grounding our lives in God's unchanging Word. When we prioritize our own desires over God's truth, we risk falling into patterns of sin and rebellion. This takeaway encourages us to seek God's wisdom and guidance in all areas of our lives, ensuring that His truth is the foundation of our decisions. [06:26]
Judges 21:25 (ESV): "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you have been relying on your own understanding rather than seeking God's truth. What steps can you take today to align this area with His Word?
Day 3: The Ripple Effect of Our Choices
Elimelech's decision to move his family to Moab had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only his own life but also the lives of his family. This narrative highlights the impact of our choices on others, especially as parents or leaders. Our decisions have the power to shape the spiritual legacy of those around us. It is crucial to prioritize God's will in our plans, ensuring that we leave a gospel-centered legacy for future generations. This takeaway challenges us to consider the long-term effects of our choices and to seek God's guidance in all that we do. [13:03]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did it impact those around you, and what can you learn from it to make more God-centered choices in the future?
Day 4: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Suffering
Ruth chapter 1 emphasizes God's sovereignty, reminding us that He is both great and good. Even in our suffering, God is in control, working all things for our good and His glory. This truth provides comfort and hope, allowing us to trust in His plan even when we face trials. The story of Ruth and Naomi is a testament to God's ability to bring about redemption and hope, even in the midst of despair. As we navigate our own challenges, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is working behind the scenes for our ultimate good. [30:30]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Consider a current trial you are facing. How can you actively choose to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when the outcome is uncertain?
Day 5: Hope Beyond Our Present Circumstances
The story of Ruth points us to a future hope, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As believers, we have access to a hope that transcends our present circumstances. Our suffering is temporary, and we can look forward to the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ. This takeaway encourages us to maintain an eternal perspective, focusing on the hope we have in Jesus rather than our current struggles. By fixing our eyes on Him, we can find strength and encouragement to persevere through life's challenges, knowing that our ultimate hope is secure in Christ. [34:30]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your current struggles to the eternal hope you have in Christ? What practical steps can you take to cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life?
Quotes
Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:
1. "Catherine says this about suffering. She says, suffering is never a mistake, and is never the end of the story. Suffering is not the absence of God's goodness, because he is present in pain. Don't you love that, church? This is a good word for us, because sometimes we fall into the trouble of suffering. We fall into the trouble of suffering, and we fall into the temptation to believe that God is absent when we face hardships, and we feel that he has forgotten us, or he doesn't care about us." [00:02:43] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And I want to tell you that God is far kinder and far more merciful than that, that he's a plan, and that he's with you, not away from you. And I want to tell you that God is far kinder and far more merciful than that, when you suffer. And that's what we're going to unpack through this series in Ruth. Ruth is a story with a seemingly hopeless time. But we see God working in the background to use this story to not only change Ruth's life, but to change the world. And that is the God we serve, church." [00:03:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And it's our hope that what we learn through this series is that we don't minimize suffering in our life. We don't try to spiritually bypass the difficult things in our life. But at the same time, we would allow the sovereignty of God, the truth of God's sovereignty to comfort us and to kindly pursue us and teach us when we face inevitable challenges that the world will throw our way. And that's what we're going to see through Ruth chapter 1." [00:04:15] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "This climate is the climate in the backdrop of the story of Ruth. It's the time of the judges where there was no king over Israel, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes. But here's what else has taken place. Second part of verse one, there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judea, his name is Elimelech, we'll get to in a minute, went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons." [00:07:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And I hear this oftentimes when people will make plans. They will make plans, but they decide to put God somewhere deep down on this list of how we make plans. I know this because we see often people move to Greenville. They live here for a while. They move away. And then when they move away, then they decide, okay, then how can I position my life around the gospel? Here's how I know that. Like they'll move somewhere and they'll text or email me and say, Pastor Ben, I've been here for a few months. Do you know a good church here?" [00:14:02] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And friends, if he's not sovereign, I got to tell you, he's not good. If he's not sovereign, that means he turns his eye to bad things. If he's not sovereign, that means he spins the world like a top and then he walks away. If he's not sovereign, that means he's just doing the best he can, which is not a God we can trust." [00:32:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And what God is going to do here, he's going to provide something for them that is far better than they would have ever imagined. And he's going to provide for them a redeemer here on earth. That's going to point to a greater, redeemer, the one that we have hope in, and his name is Jesus. And church, we have a greater hope even than Ruth and Naomi. They didn't know what would happen next. All they knew is they were back in the house of bread. They were back in Bethlehem. And it's the beginning of barley harvest, meaning hope is on the horizon." [00:33:14] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And friends, we live with a hope that Ruth and Naomi did not have access to at this time in their life, that we have access to Christ. We have access to the Father through Christ who died in our place and is risen from the grave, and we can come to him who is a great high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses. We can come to him because of what Christ has done. We can have hope, and we have an eternal hope that, yes, suffering is a little while, but we have a God who wants to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. This is the hope. This is the hope that we have in the gospel." [00:39:37] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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