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january 2013
the hope of glory bible study
g n i l i e v un
Ruth
a true story of love, life, and listening to god
table of contents
introduction to ruth...................................................... 1 lesson one.......................................................................... 3 notes.................................................................................... 4 lesson two......................................................................... 5 notes.................................................................................... 6 lesson three...................................................................... 7 notes.................................................................................... 8 lesson four........................................................................ 9 notes.................................................................................. 10
schedule Introduction..................................................Wed, January 16, 6:30 pm ........................................................................Thurs, January 17, 9:30 am Lesson 1......................................................... Wed, January 23, 6:30 pm ....................................................................... Thurs, January 24, 9:30 am Lesson 2......................................................... Wed, January 30, 6:30 pm ........................................................................Thurs, January 31, 9:30 am Lesson 3........................................................ Wed, February 6, 6: 30 pm ........................................................................Thurs, February 7, 9:30 am Lesson 4 ........................................................Wed, February 6, 6: 30 pm ........................................................................Thurs, February 7, 9:30 am
Ruth
Introduction
Welcome to the “Hope of Glory” Bible Study. During this session we will study the book of Ruth which is located in the Old Testament. The Old Testament may seem to some as irrelevant and yet it was the “Bible” Jesus knew. He relied on these ancient teachings and quoted them often. It is said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. The Old Testament has threads of Jesus throughout it; yet it took the life of Jesus for them to make sense. As we look in hindsight from the New Testament to the Old Testament, we see how God in His wisdom concealed many things that came to the fullness of revelation in His Son. The Old Testament book of Ruth is one of the most endearing love stories. Even though it is not known exactly when it was written, Ruth is considered “the perfect story”. The literary style is perfectly proportioned, and it is considered a splendid example of storytelling. This book seems very sophisticated for its time. The author of Ruth is not known. Some theologians think it may have been part of the book of Judges, but others think it stands by itself and was possibly written somewhere between 450-250 BC. Some believe Samuel the prophet, who anointed David as king, is the author, but no one knows for certain. The book is set in the time of the Judges which was from approximately 1380-1000 BC. During this time there was much turmoil in Israel and no cohesiveness between the 12 tribes. God raised up “judges” to settle disputes among the people, and yet the end of the book of Judges (Judges 21:25) states, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” The implication is that the Israelites were drifting into idolatry rather than worshipping the God of Abraham, the Living God of the Hebrews. As a result, the period of Judges was one of war and strife which is a contrast to the book of Ruth. Whereas the nation of Israel was full of conflict, Ruth is a quiet story of ordinary people going about their quiet and ordinary lives. Out of this era of darkness, comes a light of goodness and love….the story of Ruth. Ruth is the tale of two women who find themselves in hardship with no seeming “way out”. Yet through trust in God and His provision, they emerge through the centuries as witnesses of God’s grace and love. They are examples to us of how in times of trouble, God is there and is working out His perfect plan. It is a story of relationships and families and 1
shows us that God makes no mistakes as he weaves us into his tapestry of life. Ruth also describes the way of life during this period in history, giving us a glimpse into the judicial, economic, and social systems. It shows us how God is active in the lives of all people. He values those who live simple, ordinary lives as well as those who are famous and in positions of leadership. We will see how God works out his purposes and blesses those who trust in Him. This is a book for women because our heroine is a woman. God honors her, and her name has gone down in history representing honor and faith. This is a book about family and the need for families to support and love one another through the good times and bad times. This is a book about mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, and how we are to honor and support one another in love. My mother-in-law was Claudine Rice. She taught the Bible and prayed fervently for her beloved son, for me and for my children. It is to her that I dedicate this study. She taught me many things about faith, hope and love. I was blessed to have her as a “mother-inlove”. So join me as we look back to earlier times and see how God moved in the lives of ordinary, everyday women. As we look at the book of Ruth, we realize that He moves in our lives today when we put our trust in Him.
unveiling
Ruth
Ruth
lesson one
Our story opens with famine in the land of Israel and we are introduced to the family of Elimeleh and his wife, Naomi. The author sets the stage for the Living God moving in the difficulties of this family. We will see that many times, God uses the most unlikely people to touch our hearts and change our lives. Read Ruth 1
1. There are other times that famine is used to usher in God’s divine plan. During the time of Joseph, son of Jacob, God used famine to raise Joseph to be the most powerful man in Egypt. This same famine led his father Jacob and his sons to come to Joseph for food and be reconciled. Jacob and his family were led by God to settle in Egypt. (See Genesis 37,39-47,50 for the full story). He moved the family of Jacob so that 400 years later the stage would be set for the Exodus of the Hebrew nation. Times of famine or trouble can be God’s way of positioning his people to see his mightiest acts. Have you seen that in your life?
2. Biblical names reflect the people’s character. Elimelech means “my God is King”. Naomi means “pleasant or lovely”. Yet by the end of Chapter 1, Naomi tells people to call her Mara which means “bitter”. Discuss what happened to Naomi. Did she have a choice as to her reaction? Do we have a choice as to our reaction to tragedy? Can you think of another biblical person who reacted differently than Naomi?
3. Discuss the reactions of the two daughters-in-law. Do you identify with Orpah or Ruth? What does this tell you about Ruth? About Orpah? About Naomi?
4. Naomi felt “The Lord’s hand has gone out against me!” and “the Almighty has made my life very bitter”. This speaks of the omnipotence of God. How do you reconcile God’s hand versus your own decisions in the path your life takes?
5. Ruth’s words in Ruth 1:16-17 are beautiful. Look up this passage in various translations of the Bible. Which one speaks to you the most?
prayer Heavenly Father, Help me to see your sovereign hand in the difficulties of my life. Show me how to see the glass as half full and not half empty. Give me the strength to persevere through all of life’s challenges knowing that You are in control. I pray that Romans 8:28 will be a reality in my life and in the lives of my offspring. I ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son. Amen 3
notes, thoughts, response
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Ruth
lesson two
In chapter 2, we are introduced to the idea of a kinsman-redeemer. Boaz will play a pivotal role in this drama. Yet we can see God’s hand working to bring about a safe haven for Ruth and daily provisions for her and Naomi.
1. Read Leviticus 19:9,10 and 23:22. These are instructions to the Hebrews for the caring of the poor. Naomi’s loss of her husband and sons left her destitute and with no hope. Ruth was a widow also and had the added stigma of being an “outsider”. Their only hope was the provisions provided in Leviticus. Jesus speaks of the poor also in Matthew 19:16-21, Luke 14:12-14, Luke 16:19-31. What do these verses tell you about how we are to respond to those who are less fortunate?
2. In chapter 2, do you see God’s divine hand in the circumstances of Ruth and Boaz? How have you seen God’s divine hand in your life?
3. In what way does Ruth show herself to be humble? Read the following verses about humility: Psalm 51:17, James 4:6, 1Peter 5:5, Proverbs 11:2, 22:4, and Matthew 11:29. What do you learn?
4. In Ruth 2:11-12, Boaz is clear that he has heard of Ruth’s actions and is impressed by her character. Read Romans 5:1-5 and 1 Peter 1:6-7. How do you see Ruth reflected in these verses? Does this give you hope during difficult times?
5. Boaz prays that Ruth would be “richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” This is the idea of a mother bird protecting her young by spreading her wings over them. We read about this in Matthew 23:37. Who is speaking and what is he referring to? See Psalm 17:8, Psalm 36;7, Psalm 57:1, Psalm 63:6,7, Psalm 91:1,4. When have you felt the wings of the Lord providing your protection?
prayer Thank you Lord God that you bring us to our knees in order for us to see you more clearly. Give me humility that is pleasing to you. Help me to see others in your light and show the love and patience of Jesus to each person I encounter. Keep me and those I love under the protective wing of your mighty strength and in the shadow of Your wings. I pray this in Jesus’ name who longs for me to be gathered under His protection. Amen 5
notes, thoughts, response
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Ruth
lesson three
The plot thickens as Naomi develops a plan for Ruth to have a life of security and hope. The plan may seem strange to our culture, but in the time of Ruth, customs were different. Yet Naomi took a chance in urging Ruth to go to Boaz the way she did. It could have backfired, but God was in control.
1. Read Ruth 3:1-9. The presence of Ruth at Boaz’s threshing floor, dressed in her finest clothes and sneaking to where he slept could have been disastrous for Ruth. What does this tell you about Naomi? About Ruth?
2. Read Ruth 3:10-18. Boaz’ reaction is one of honor. What do you see in his reaction that shows his character? Ruth requested that Boaz “spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer”. We see this same term “spread the garment over me” is used in Ezekial 16:8. This term is used to symbolize marriage. Read Ezekial 16:1-14. This is a symbolic story where Jerusalem or the Hebrew people are depicted as a young woman who is not wanted and the Lord saves her by loving her. What similarities do you see between this and Ruth’s story? What are the differences?
3. Kinsman-Redeemer is also seen in Isaiah 59:16-20. In verse 20, the word “Redeemer” with a capital “R” means kinsman-redeemer. This is speaking about the second coming of Jesus. What do you learn about the role of the kinsman-redeemer from these verses?
4. Look up the word “redeem” in the dictionary. Read 1 Peter 1:18-19, Colossians 1:13,14, Galatians 3:13,14, Romans 3:23,24, Ephesians 1:7, 13,14. Which of these verses speaks to you most clearly of Jesus Christ?
5. Job is one of the oldest books of the Bible, yet Job 19:25-27 speaks to us today. What about these verses strikes you? Pray that these verses will put a new yearning in your heart to see the Lord Jesus.
prayer Precious Father, I praise you for my kinsman-redeemer, Jesus. I thank you that through him I am given the inheritance of the kingdom of God and the security of knowing that I am cared for and redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Thank you that you sent your Son to pay the price for me and that my heart yearns within me to see Him face to face. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen 7
notes, thoughts, response
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Ruth
lesson four
This last chapter of Ruth shows Boaz, the Kinsman Redeemer, taking charge and securing Ruth as his bride. Yet he must follow the social mores of his time. He knows what needs to be done and is ready to pay the price for his beloved. This is symbolic of our Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus, who knows that we are under the clutches of sin and knows what needs to be done to pay the price for His beloved. 1. Read Ruth 4:1-10. This is a step by step process that Boaz thought out with great care. Read Deuteronomy 25:5-10 which gives the instructions for a Hebrew woman whose husband has died. The kinsman redeemer whose family’s lineage was closer than Boaz had the first refusal right. This man wanted the land but not Ruth; he feared it would “endanger his own estate”. Compare this man and Boaz. 2. Read Ruth 4:9-12. Boaz is clearly calling the elders and the people present to be witnesses to his announcement that he would buy the field of Naomi’s family and also take Ruth as his wife. Look up the word “witness” in the dictionary. Why do you think it was important to have witnesses? Read Acts 1:7,8. These were Jesus’ last words to his disciples before his ascension. We are called to be Jesus’ witnesses. How have you done that in your life? Pray and ask the Lord Jesus to give you an opportunity to witness for him. 3. The witnesses are pleased with their role and offer a blessing for Boaz and Ruth. Read Genesis 29-30:25, Genesis 35:16-26. Through Rachel and Leah and their maidservants, Jacob had 12 sons which became the 12 tribes of Israel. The witnesses ask for the newlywed couple to have the lineage of Perez. Read about Perez in Genesis 38. What does this show you about God? About the witnesses? 4. Read the lineage of Boaz, Ruth 4:18-22. See also Matthew 1:1-17, noting verse 3. Only three women are named in the lineage of Jesus in Matthew and one is Ruth. What does that tell you about Ruth? Why was it important that Boaz’s lineage be from Perez whose father was Judah? See Zechariah 10:4, Micah 5:2, Revelation 5:5. 5. Read Ruth 4:13-17. The fact that Ruth and Boaz’s first child was a son means that he would carry on the name of Elimelech and his sons. That child named Obed is Naomi’s kinsmanredeemer. He will care for Naomi and inherit her family’s land and title. Compare that to Jesus being our kinsman-redeemer. 6. Ruth 4:15 is a high compliment; to have 7 sons was considered a great blessing from the Lord. Ruth is considered even better than this great blessing. What have you learned from Ruth?
prayer Father, I thank you for the message of Ruth that speaks through the ages. Help me to have a heart like Ruth that wishes to please others and to please You. Thank you that my lineage is Your choice and that I am an integral part of your plan, not only for my life, but for the lives of those who come after me. Help me to be mindful of being a witness for you to all I meet, especially my family. I pray that by my witness generations after me will come to know Jesus as Lord, Savior and Redeemer. In Jesus Name, Amen. 9
notes, thoughts, response
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unveiling
Ruth
2450 River Oaks Blvd
Houston TX
77019
www.sjd.org
713.622.3600
