RUTH (With Insights) FOOD FOR THOUGHT, DEC 13, 2020 PDF VERSION
Food For Thought (WITH INSIGHTS)
For the week of December 13, 2020
(Questions and Scriptures for further study & discussion)
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READ RUTH 3
1. Redemption means to restore (or buy back) that which has been lost. Because Ruth was a Moabite, and was therefore associated with idolatry, she was “unacceptable” to the Israelites in many ways. Even though Boaz could have rejected Ruth, he chose to “redeem” her instead. As you read Ruth 3:7-17, consider Boaz’s kindness, acceptance and provision for Ruth. In what ways does Ruth’s interaction with Boaz resemble our own redeeming interaction with God?
2. How does Ruth’s marriage proposal relate to qualities she knew about God and Boaz, her family’s guardian-redeemer? Which of these qualities most encourages you to entrust yourself to one another?
(Responses may vary. Reflect on the qualities shown in previous chapters, the concepts of guardian and redemption, and on what you know about God’s sovereignty and wisdom.)
3. The writers of Scripture occasionally use metaphors or imagery to help us better understand the truth they are communicating. In Ruth 2:11-13, Boaz prayed that Ruth would find refuge “under the wings” of God. How do the following Psalms help you better understand what it means to be under God’s wings?
Psalm 17:6-9
Psalm 36:5-7
Psalm 57:1-3
Psalm 63:2-8
(In Chapter 1, Ruth made a vow to Naomi. She now sought to receive a vow from Boaz, “I am your servant Ruth,’ she said (1:16-17). ‘Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.’” The same Hebrew word is translated “garment” in Ruth 3:9 and “wings” in Ruth 2:12. Both times the idea conveyed is of one spreading the edge, border or corner of position, power and possessions over another. The covering offers identity, shelter, community and protection to guarantee secured rest. Boaz had praised God’s gracious covering over Ruth (2:12). Now, Ruth humbly but boldly sought her right to be covered by him, her guardian-redeemer (3:9))
4. How does Naomi’s response to Ruth illustrate the truth found in Proverbs 16:9? How do these truths help you?
(Naomi knew she, Ruth and Boaz had done all they could to bring about the marriage. Yet, she credited the Lord for guiding them to this point. She trusted the Lord to bring the matter to the best possible resolution. She accepted they must with on the Lord. Even when God’s activity is veiled to us, we can rest on His truth recorded by David’s son Solomon, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). So it was for Ruth and Naomi, and so it is for us even to this moment. This comforting truth comes to meet us in confusing and difficult places.)
5. In what ways has God protected and provided for you as you depended on Him?
(Although we may not see God, we can be assured that He is there, working behind the scenes, providentially orchestrating events in ways that will ultimately result in blessing for us and others, and glory to Himself. The Lord Jesus Christ did not need to save us; He humbled Himself for our sake. Boaz did not need to speak kindly to a foreigner like Ruth, nor did he need to give poor widows extra food. He did not have to redeem Elimelek’s field or agree to marry Ruth. Boaz saw needs and responded with God’s hesed, His loving-kindness.)