Trusting God's Plan Amidst Life's Crises
Summary
The book of Ruth offers a profound narrative that transcends the immediate circumstances of its characters, inviting us to see beyond the "lower story" of human experience to the "upper story" of God's divine plan. As we embark on this journey through Ruth, we are reminded that our lives often mirror the struggles and crises faced by Naomi, Ruth, and Elimelech. In the midst of famine, loss, and uncertainty, we are challenged to discern God's hand at work, orchestrating a greater purpose beyond our immediate understanding.
The story begins in a time of crisis, during the rule of the judges, when famine strikes Bethlehem. Elimelech, whose name means "my God is king," ironically fails to live up to his name by seeking refuge in Moab, a land historically hostile to Israel. This decision, driven by desperation rather than faith, leads to further tragedy as Elimelech and his sons die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, in a precarious situation.
Naomi's return to Bethlehem marks a turning point, as she grapples with her identity and the bitterness that has taken root in her heart. Her lament reflects a common human tendency to view God as distant and unresponsive in times of trial. Yet, it is Ruth, a Moabite, who emerges as a beacon of faithfulness and courage, choosing to align herself with Naomi and the God of Israel. Her declaration, "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God," signifies a profound conversion and commitment to the covenant-keeping God.
This narrative challenges us to examine our own responses to crises. Do we, like Elimelech, seek our own solutions, or do we, like Ruth, trust in God's providence? The story of Ruth reminds us that God is actively working in the "upper story," weaving redemption and hope into the fabric of our lives, even when we cannot see it. As we journey through our own lower stories, may we find strength in the knowledge that our Redeemer is ever-present, ready to transform our trials into testimonies of His grace and faithfulness.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Duality of Stories: Our lives are composed of a "lower story" of immediate circumstances and an "upper story" of God's overarching plan. Recognizing this duality helps us trust in God's sovereignty, even when our current situation seems bleak. [34:51]
2. Faith in Crisis: Times of crisis test our faith and reveal our true character. Like Ruth, we are called to demonstrate unwavering faithfulness and courage, trusting in God's covenant promises despite our circumstances. [39:44]
3. Identity and Transformation: Crises can alter our identity, as seen in Naomi's transformation from "pleasant" to "bitter." However, God's redemptive work invites us to embrace a new identity rooted in His grace and love. [01:06:36]
4. God's Inclusivity: Ruth's inclusion in the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus highlights God's heart for all nations. It reminds us that God's redemptive plan extends beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries, inviting all to partake in His covenant. [01:03:55]
5. The Redeemer's Presence: The story of Ruth foreshadows the coming of our ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ. In our own lives, we are invited to place our faith in Him, trusting that He intercedes for us and transforms our trials into triumphs. [01:09:27]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:01] - Introduction to Ruth
[33:58] - Mobilizing for Relief
[34:51] - Lower Story vs. Upper Story
[35:37] - Crisis in the Lower Story
[36:31] - God's Redemptive Plan
[37:34] - The Enemy's Attempt
[38:44] - Faith Tested in Crisis
[39:44] - Leadership and Famine
[41:07] - Elimelech's Decision
[43:00] - Naomi's Journey
[45:39] - Moab and Its Significance
[47:29] - From Bad to Worse
[49:42] - Naomi's Bitterness
[01:03:16] - Ruth's Declaration
[01:09:27] - The Redeemer's Presence
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Book of Ruth
Bible Reading:
- Ruth 1:1-22
- Genesis 3:15
- James 1:2-3
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Observation Questions:
1. What circumstances led Elimelech and his family to leave Bethlehem and move to Moab? How does this decision reflect on Elimelech's faith? [45:01]
2. How does Naomi's perception of God change throughout the first chapter of Ruth, and what does she express about her feelings towards God upon returning to Bethlehem? [01:00:33]
3. What is significant about Ruth's declaration to Naomi, "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God"? How does this statement mark a turning point in the narrative? [01:03:16]
4. How does the sermon describe the "lower story" and "upper story" in the context of the book of Ruth? What examples from the sermon illustrate these concepts? [34:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the story of Ruth challenge the audience to reconsider their responses to crises? How does Ruth's faithfulness contrast with Elimelech's actions? [49:42]
2. How does Naomi's transformation from "pleasant" to "bitter" reflect the impact of personal crises on one's identity? What does this suggest about the potential for change in our own lives? [01:06:36]
3. How does the inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite, in the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus, illustrate God's inclusivity and redemptive plan? What does this reveal about God's heart for all nations? [01:03:55]
4. How does the sermon suggest that the presence of a Redeemer, foreshadowed in Ruth, offers hope and transformation in our own lives? [01:09:27]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a crisis. Did you respond more like Elimelech, seeking your own solutions, or like Ruth, trusting in God's providence? How might you approach a similar situation differently now? [49:42]
2. Naomi's identity was altered by her experiences, leading her to become bitter. Are there areas in your life where you feel bitterness has taken root? How can you invite God's redemptive work to transform these areas? [01:06:36]
3. Ruth's commitment to Naomi and God was a profound act of faith. Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you need to make a similar commitment? What steps can you take to align yourself with God's covenant promises? [01:03:16]
4. The sermon highlights the duality of the "lower story" and "upper story." How can recognizing this duality help you trust in God's sovereignty during difficult times? Can you identify an area in your life where you need to see beyond the immediate circumstances? [34:51]
5. Consider the inclusivity of God's redemptive plan as seen in Ruth's story. How can you actively participate in extending God's love and grace to those from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds in your community? [01:03:55]
6. The presence of a Redeemer offers hope and transformation. How can you place your faith in Jesus, trusting Him to intercede and transform your trials into testimonies of His grace? [01:09:27]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the importance of community. How can you be both someone who needs help and someone who gives help within your church or community? What practical steps can you take to foster this kind of healthy community? [01:05:21]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
In the book of Ruth, we are introduced to the concept of the "lower story" and the "upper story." The lower story represents our immediate circumstances, often filled with challenges and uncertainties, while the upper story is God's overarching plan that we may not fully understand. Recognizing this duality helps us trust in God's sovereignty, even when our current situation seems bleak. The story of Ruth encourages us to look beyond our immediate struggles and trust that God is weaving a greater purpose through our lives. [34:51]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to see God's plan? How can you begin to trust in His sovereignty today?
Day 2: Faithfulness in Times of Crisis
The story of Ruth challenges us to examine our responses to crises. In times of crisis, our faith is tested, revealing our true character. Ruth, a Moabite, demonstrates unwavering faithfulness and courage by choosing to align herself with Naomi and the God of Israel. Her declaration, "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God," signifies a profound conversion and commitment to God's covenant promises. We are called to emulate Ruth's faithfulness, trusting in God's providence despite our circumstances. [39:44]
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent crisis you faced. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Ruth's example of faithfulness?
Day 3: Embracing a New Identity
Crises can alter our identity, as seen in Naomi's transformation from "pleasant" to "bitter." However, God's redemptive work invites us to embrace a new identity rooted in His grace and love. Naomi's journey back to Bethlehem marks a turning point, as she grapples with her identity and the bitterness that has taken root in her heart. Through God's grace, we are invited to shed our old identities and embrace a new one that reflects His love and redemption. [01:06:36]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways has a past crisis shaped your identity? How can you embrace the new identity God offers you today?
Day 4: God's Heart for All Nations
Ruth's inclusion in the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus highlights God's heart for all nations. Her story reminds us that God's redemptive plan extends beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries, inviting all to partake in His covenant. Ruth, a Moabite, becomes a key figure in the lineage of Christ, demonstrating God's inclusivity and love for all people. This challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards others and to embrace God's heart for all nations. [01:03:55]
"And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants... these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer." (Isaiah 56:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you reflect God's inclusivity in your interactions with people from different backgrounds or cultures?
Day 5: The Presence of Our Redeemer
The story of Ruth foreshadows the coming of our ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ. In our own lives, we are invited to place our faith in Him, trusting that He intercedes for us and transforms our trials into triumphs. Ruth's story is a testament to God's redemptive power and His presence in our lives, even in the midst of trials. As we journey through our own lower stories, we can find strength in the knowledge that our Redeemer is ever-present, ready to transform our trials into testimonies of His grace and faithfulness. [01:09:27]
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite Jesus, your Redeemer, to transform your trials into triumphs today?
Quotes
1) "But what about another story? What about an upper story? What about a God that intervenes in the lives of mere mortal humans and you can actually see it? What about that story? What about a story where you're not alone, where compassion is issued by a covenant-keeping God? You see, if we don't see the upper story of what God is doing in the book of Ruth, we will miss what God is doing. We'll just see it from a redemptive point of view of someone saw a widow in need, two widows in need, and help them out along the way after great calamity. But could there be something going on greater in the entire biblical text? Well, I think there is something going on greater. And it continues to go on to this day." [36:31] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Our faith, especially in the lower story, is tested during a time of crisis. It's always tested. In your lower story, if you're going through something today, and you're going through a personal crisis, or maybe you're going through a financial crisis, or whether you're going through a vocational crisis, or whatever it is, parenting crisis, whatever it is, that's a time and a testing of your faith. And so when we look at the way that Ruth is set up, and it starts out like this, in the J, when the judges, ruled there was a famine in the land. Man, that's one strike and two strike. Number one, the judges didn't rule very well. And often when they did rule, people still did whatever they wanted to. But second, one of the big three was coming after the people in those days." [39:44] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "But I will tell you, in the middle of the crisis, the best thing you can do is to look to the God of heaven. Because the God of heaven in the upper story is gonna do something amazing in the lower story. Amazing. James 1, 2 through 3 reminds us this, brothers. May I remind you all of this today if you are in a crisis. Count it all, Joey, brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness and let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking for nothing. Trials have a way of really bullying out our character, don't they? They just have a way of doing it." [51:15] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "And often sometimes we feel like God has forgotten us in our own personal crisis. But I can tell you, you may feel, that's why we did an emotion study, you may feel God has forgotten you. But I will tell you, church, God never forgets us. God never forgets us. Even when you go through hard times. Even if you can't see his radiant glory, he never forgets us. He doesn't forget you in your lower story because his upper story is so powerful and dynamic and sovereign and good and graceful. And so we see the divine hand from the upper story into the lower story." [54:49] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The basic idea, I love what Ed Welch says. He says this, that the basic idea is that those who are in the house of bread, those who help best, are the ones who both need help and give help. The healthy community is dependent on all of us being both. Do you know what a healthy church looks like? A healthy church looks like those who need help and those who give help and all of us knowing that we're at both places. That's a healthy church. I will preach. Amen. That's where we are. That's it. It's not the spiritual elite and the people who are here. No. By God's grace, it's all Jesus Christ and by his gospel. And we both need help. And we both can give help." [01:05:21] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "And my friend, if you are far off, if you feel like this life is not worth the living, if you felt like you've gone through all the things, I will tell you based upon the authority of the scripture and based upon the power and the blood covenant of Jesus Christ that he is here and he is alive and you can put his faith in, you can put your faith in him. That cross and that blood is still as active today. And so today, I ask you to come. Maybe you need prayer today. Some of our elders will be here, but maybe you need to place your faith and have someone change your heart. Jesus is in the heart changing business, amen. And I would love to share how he changed my heart with you today." [01:10:01] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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