Ruth: A Journey of Faith and Redemption
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound story of Ruth, a narrative that beautifully illustrates God's redemptive power and His unwavering presence in our lives, even in our darkest moments. The story of Ruth is a testament to the truth that God is always at work, weaving together the threads of our lives for good, even when we cannot see it. We began by acknowledging the importance of family and community, as exemplified by Tersha and Cody's decision to support their daughter, Shaley, at her gymnastics meet. This act of prioritizing family reflects the heart of God, who values relationships and community.
The story of Ruth unfolds during a tumultuous time in Israel's history, marked by a cycle of sin and redemption. Despite the chaos, God's hidden work is evident throughout the narrative. Ruth, a Moabite woman, chooses to follow Naomi, her mother-in-law, and embrace the God of Israel. Her decision to leave her people and gods behind is a powerful reminder that even when God chooses us, we must also choose Him. Ruth's journey is one of faith, courage, and redemption, as she becomes part of God's plan to bring forth the lineage of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ.
We also examined the role of Boaz, a kinsman redeemer, who embodies the characteristics of Christ. Boaz's actions towards Ruth—providing protection, sustenance, and ultimately redemption—mirror the work of Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer. Through Boaz, we see a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial love and His willingness to redeem us, regardless of our past.
The story of Ruth is not just an ancient tale; it is a living testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to redeem and restore. It challenges us to trust in God's goodness, even when life seems overwhelming. We are reminded that our past does not define us, and God's redemptive power can transform our lives in ways we cannot imagine.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Redemptive Power: The story of Ruth illustrates that no matter how far we stray or how broken our circumstances, God is always at work, weaving our lives into His redemptive plan. His ability to transform our darkest moments into something beautiful is a testament to His unwavering love and faithfulness. [51:52]
- Choosing God: Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and embrace the God of Israel highlights the importance of our choice in following God. Even when God chooses us, we must actively choose to follow Him, trusting in His plan and His goodness. [01:02:00]
- Boaz as a Christ Figure: Boaz's role as a kinsman redeemer mirrors the work of Christ, who redeems us through His sacrificial love. Boaz's actions towards Ruth—providing protection, sustenance, and redemption—foreshadow the ultimate redemption we find in Jesus. [01:13:54]
- God's Faithfulness in Trials: The story of Ruth reminds us that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances. Even in our darkest moments, God is present, working all things together for good. Our trials can become testimonies of His goodness and grace. [01:31:26]
- Our Past Does Not Define Us: The lineage of Jesus includes individuals with flawed pasts, like Rahab and Ruth, demonstrating that our past does not define us. God's redemptive power can transform our lives, using our stories for His glory and purpose. [01:29:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Family Priorities
- [02:00] - Worship and Battle Imagery
- [04:00] - The Story of Ruth Overview
- [06:30] - Questions of Faith and Belief
- [09:00] - God's Work in Our Lives
- [12:00] - Background of Ruth's Story
- [15:00] - The Cycle of Sin and Redemption
- [18:00] - Ruth's Choice and Faith
- [21:00] - Boaz's Role as a Redeemer
- [24:00] - God's Faithfulness in Trials
- [27:00] - The Lineage of Jesus
- [30:00] - Personal Testimony of Redemption
- [33:00] - Lessons from Ruth's Story
- [36:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Story of Ruth
Bible Reading:
1. Ruth 1:16-17 - "But Ruth replied, 'Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'"
2. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
3. Ruth 4:13-17 - "So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: 'Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.' Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, 'Naomi has a son!' And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David."
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Observation Questions:
1. What significant choice did Ruth make in Ruth 1:16-17, and how did it reflect her commitment to Naomi and God? [01:02:00]
2. How does Romans 8:28 relate to the overarching theme of God's redemptive work in the story of Ruth? [01:31:26]
3. In Ruth 4:13-17, what role does Boaz play in the redemption and restoration of Naomi and Ruth's family? [01:22:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural and social challenges Ruth and Naomi faced upon returning to Bethlehem? [01:05:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and embrace the God of Israel illustrate the importance of personal choice in faith? [01:02:00]
2. In what ways does the story of Ruth challenge the belief that one's past defines their future? Consider the examples of Ruth, Rahab, and others mentioned in the sermon. [01:29:16]
3. How does Boaz's role as a kinsman redeemer foreshadow the work of Christ as our ultimate Redeemer? [01:13:54]
4. What does the sermon suggest about God's faithfulness during trials, and how does this relate to the experiences of Naomi and Ruth? [01:31:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult choice to follow God, similar to Ruth's decision. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith journey? [01:02:00]
2. Consider the cultural and social challenges Ruth faced. Are there areas in your life where you feel like an outsider? How can you seek God's guidance and protection in those situations? [01:05:57]
3. The sermon highlights that our past does not define us. Is there a part of your past that you struggle to move beyond? How can you invite God's redemptive power into that area of your life? [01:29:16]
4. Boaz's actions towards Ruth were marked by kindness and protection. How can you embody these Christ-like qualities in your interactions with others this week? [01:13:54]
5. Reflect on a trial you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's faithfulness and work towards seeing His goodness in this situation? [01:31:26]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of community and family support. How can you prioritize and strengthen your relationships with family and community this week? [01:31:26]
7. Identify one person in your life who may feel like an outsider. What specific action can you take to show them love and inclusion, reflecting the heart of God? [01:35:17]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Redemptive Work in Our Lives
God's redemptive power is a central theme in the story of Ruth, illustrating that no matter how far we stray or how broken our circumstances, God is always at work, weaving our lives into His redemptive plan. Ruth's journey from a Moabite widow to a key figure in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ is a testament to God's ability to transform our darkest moments into something beautiful. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's unwavering love and faithfulness, knowing that He can bring good out of any situation. [51:52]
Isaiah 61:3 (ESV): "To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation in your life. How can you invite God to work His redemptive power in this area today?
Day 2: The Power of Choosing God
Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and embrace the God of Israel highlights the importance of our choice in following God. Even when God chooses us, we must actively choose to follow Him, trusting in His plan and His goodness. Ruth's choice to leave her people and gods behind is a powerful reminder of the commitment and faith required to walk with God. Her story challenges us to examine our own choices and the extent to which we are willing to trust God with our lives. [01:02:00]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to make a conscious choice to follow God more closely? What steps can you take today to make that choice?
Day 3: Boaz as a Reflection of Christ
Boaz's role as a kinsman redeemer mirrors the work of Christ, who redeems us through His sacrificial love. Boaz's actions towards Ruth—providing protection, sustenance, and redemption—foreshadow the ultimate redemption we find in Jesus. This parallel invites us to reflect on the nature of Christ's love and the ways in which we can embody that love in our relationships with others. Boaz's example challenges us to be agents of redemption in the lives of those around us. [01:13:54]
Ephesians 1:7 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the love and redemption of Christ through you? How can you be a reflection of Christ's love to them today?
Day 4: Trusting God's Faithfulness in Trials
The story of Ruth reminds us that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances. Even in our darkest moments, God is present, working all things together for good. Ruth's journey from loss to redemption is a powerful testament to God's ability to bring beauty from ashes. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when life seems overwhelming, knowing that our trials can become testimonies of His grace. [01:31:26]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How can you see God's faithfulness in that situation, and how can you trust Him more deeply in future trials?
Day 5: Our Past Does Not Define Us
The lineage of Jesus includes individuals with flawed pasts, like Rahab and Ruth, demonstrating that our past does not define us. God's redemptive power can transform our lives, using our stories for His glory and purpose. Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to accomplish His purposes. This truth invites us to embrace our own stories and trust that God can use them for His glory. [01:29:16]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What part of your past do you struggle to let go of? How can you invite God to transform that part of your story for His glory today?
Quotes
"Do you believe that he's at work in your darkest moments, as well as your brightest moments? I like this one. Are you being led by your circumstances or by the God who reigns over all of your circumstances? It's a tough one. Sometimes we will let our circumstances dictate what we think, how we think, what we believe, rather than letting the God who reigns over all of those circumstances lead us." [00:51:52] (28 seconds)
"So I don't know exactly what was happening with Ruth at this time. I'm wondering, you know, Naomi, being an Israelite, has probably heard the stories of God. She's seen things he's done. And maybe she shared those things with Ruth, with her daughter -in -law. But Ruth made this decision. There was a point. She was told she could go just like Orpah did and go back to their gods. But she said, no, your God is my God." [01:04:53] (27 seconds)
"God honors these choices that they made. So I want you to understand, you could be every day disobeying what God has told you to do, dishonoring him. You could be doing horrible, horrible things, but your story is not finished. It's not finished with that. God can redeem that. He can change that. And so I don't know what Ruth, like her whole story and what she was doing, but I know enough that she was not following God, then she started following God." [01:23:25] (33 seconds)
"And I just want to challenge you today. If you're sitting here thinking, I have completely blown it, God still wants to redeem that. Even if you blew it, repented, blew it, repented, blew it. It's just like the Israelites, that cycle. God still in his goodness wants to redeem it. It's one of the biggest truths, I think, to come out of this story of Ruth." [01:24:33] (27 seconds)
"Boaz paid a price for redemption. He had to buy the land. He had to pay for that. But Jesus paid the price for our redemption with his life. We sang about it earlier. Boaz, as a kinsman redeemer, protects and provides. Jesus is our provider and protector. Boaz restored the inheritance. Jesus restores our spiritual inheritance. He makes us co -heirs with him." [01:35:58] (30 seconds)
"Boaz was willing to redeem. The other one, the nearer kinsman, was kind of willing. But then I think when he saw what it was going to cost, didn't do it. Jesus was a willing savior. John 10, Jesus says, I lay my life down of my own accord. He chose to. And then Boaz pointed to David's kingdom. He became the great -grandfather of David. And then Jesus brings the kingdom of God." [01:36:49] (30 seconds)
"Think about the hard times. I don't mean to minimize the hard times. I think Ruth and Naomi went through some pretty tough stuff. I don't mean to minimize like what we went through. So be real with that, but ask God, say, God, take me under your protective wing. And if you've done that before, say, God, maybe I've ventured, tried to get outside of that protective wing, but I want to come back under it." [01:37:59] (26 seconds)
"Does it matter what you've done or what you've gone through? God is going to do amazing, amazing things. And then we get about 950 years later where Jesus, the Messiah comes. And Rahab's name is not mentioned in Ruth, but in Matthew, when you read the genealogy, it talks about how Salmon married Rahab. I just think that is the biggest celebration for us today is to look at that and see that God is a redeemer." [01:29:51] (31 seconds)
"Lord, I just pray that that will be the theme of our lives, Lord, that we can truly sing the goodness of you and talk about the goodness of you. Even when we feel like you're not present, you're not there, I pray that we will know your faithfulness, we'll trust in your faithfulness and trust that you are good. We love you and praise you in Jesus name. Amen." [01:41:03] (25 seconds)
"Lord, I think of something my dad told me at a worship night when we were singing about how all my life you've been faithful, all my life you've been so good. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God. And he said that that's his prayer for his kids, that they will get to the end of their lives one day and be able to say that." [01:40:36] (28 seconds)
"Dear Jesus, I just thank you so much that when we spend time studying your word, especially the Old Testament, we just see everything pointing us to you. I thank you for the faith of everyone anyone who trusted you, even though they had never seen you, who trusted what you were going to do, that they trusted God as redeemer. Lord, I thank you for those examples we get to see." [01:39:30] (28 seconds)
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