My plan was to stay the course with John, but the Lord has re-directed me to take us on a 3-week side trip with Ruth and Paige Benton Brown.
I realized, as Paige closed her lecture in perfect Kelleresque fashion, that this side trip fits perfectly in the middle of John 17, the chapter where Jesus is telling us how to love well, how to love as He has loved. As Paige says, Jesus is the Greater Ruth. Ruth left her family and friends in Moab and clung to Naomi, promising to stay with her to death, and transformed Naomi’s life. If you’ve ever had to say goodbye like that, you know how hard it is. Yet not nearly as hard as the goodbye Jesus made with His Father, knowing what lay before Him. But He came, loving us, cleaving to us, and dying a terrible death for us. Behold what manner of love!
Paige is only taking one chapter this week, one next week, and finishing with the last two chapters. Not overwhelming at all! I realize you only have 3 days at this point to listen to her first lecture, but if you simply can’t fit it in, you can still do this lesson with us, for I will summarize Paige’s teaching. I will keep the post on Sundays.
I promise you, you will be glad if you take the time to watch it. You may want to break it up as it is 74 minutes, but that is up to you. Here is the link to YouTube, which will work only until Tuesday night for Part I. You’ll be able to find Part II on YouTube after she streams live on Wednesday morning.
SUNDAY:
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week?
MONDAY: The Bethlehem Trilogy
Whether or not you watch Paige, you can do these questions. If you watch, share anything you like as it pertains to what she said concerning these questions.
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story?
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25)
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO!
TUESDAY: The Surgeon’s Hands
REASONS FOR INTERVENTION
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this?
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts?
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different?
COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses?
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long?
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts?
COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now?
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6?
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son?
Wednesday: Faint-Hearted Response of Naomi
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18
A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9?
B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!)
C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back?
D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15?
E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true?
F. Paige said that saying “It is what it is” is Nihilism. Thoughts?
Thursday: Full-Hearted Response of Ruth
10. Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say?
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer.
C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see?
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see?
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why?
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why?
Friday: THE GREATER RUTH
10. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. How does Naomi respond in verse 18? Paige said the phrase is literally that Naomi goes silent. What is “the silent treatment” often meant to communicate?
B. Describe the dialogue between Naomi and the women of Bethlehem. What do you see? How might this have been hurtful to Ruth?
C. Eon Duguid: “We would rather bear the pain of continued emptiness than confess our pursuit of fulness in all the wrong places.” How might you see this in Naomi? Do you agree with this concerning Naomi? Have you done this?
D. How did God respond to the grumbling Israelites? How does He respond to Naomi? How has He responded to you?
11. Who really left His home to cleave to us even unto death?
12. Paige returns to her theme about the surgeon’s hands. What do you know about the hands of Christ?
13. Paige tells a story of her 6 1/2 hour heart surgery and her mother’s concern about her comfort. The surgeon said, “The point is not to make her comfortable but to fix her heart.” How has God brought pain into your life in order to fix your heart?
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week?
I was truly so blessed by the wonderful discussion on our blog! What an amazing group of godly women! I also was blessed by a lesson on The Holy Spirit by our pastor at church, as well a Tim Keller sermon on Preaching to the Heart. And Paige’s lesson on Naomi! I was convicted! I felt a healing in my heart from these four lessons. Thanking God for His love for us.
I’m so glad the Lord is ministering healing to your broken heart, dear Patti. He is also healing mine with His love and the love of His daughters here. I’m thankful you have a church to go to at your new place, and that you can be close to loving family. I look forward to seeing how He will use you and continue to minister to you. His ways are perfect.
SUNDAY:
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week?
—I didn’t finish answering all the questions last week But it seemed I ended up having given a lot of personal testimony in what I did answer. It was pretty reflective on my part but I think it was good for me to consider some of the ways God has graciously worked in my life in spite of me and his faithfulness to me.
Like Patti I was blessed by the sweet interaction with my sisters here.
I do want you to encourage those of you who haven’t listened to Paige to do so if all possible. The teaching really put the book of Ruth in a clearer light for me but I was most impressed with the last part of Paiges teaching. There was beautiful application for our lives in regard to what she shared about Jesus and our salvation and the surety of it. It was deeply encouraging for me in regard to the wayward Christian and we all have some in our lives. Naomi couldn’t escape God no matter how hard she tried.
Bev, I, too didn’t post my answers to all of the questions last week, but I love to read what others answered and I especially love the encouragement that we receive from one another.
I had already planned on listening to Paige this week and I’m really glad to see it become a part of this study.
I agree wholeheartedly with you, Bev, about the fellowship on this blog as well as the blessing of the Ruth study by Paige. The relentless pursuing heart of God for Naomi and those we love, including ourselves. I never saw that application regarding Naomi before yesterday, and I was deeply moved.
Bev, I love your post! Amen to all of you! Paige’s lecture is excellent. It spoke deeply to me. I could see myself reacting somewhat like Naomi! Yikes! How I have been repenting to the Lord for my lack of trust in Him! Oh how iron sharpens iron.
Love this Bev: The teaching really put the book of Ruth in a clearer light for me but I was most impressed with the last part of Paige’s teaching. There was beautiful application for our lives in regard to what she shared about Jesus and our salvation and the surety of it. It was deeply encouraging for me in regard to the wayward Christian and we all have some in our lives. Naomi couldn’t escape God no matter how hard she tried.
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week? I had a co-worker from my previous place of employment that I had a falling out with. I had considered her my best friend, but she seriously betrayed me. After a while, we patched things up. I felt as though I truly forgave her, but we had limited contact mostly through social media since we no longer worked on the same shift and eventually not even at the same place, so it was never put to the test.
She hired into my department at my current place of employment this week and it has been a positive experience. I think the Lord is showing me that there can be true forgiveness and reconciliation.
I just hopped in here for a minute to say hi to you all, I miss you, and hope to be back for real next month after I leave my job! This was a good reminder Dee “Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in.” I thank Him that I know as unsettling as my circumstances are, He has me in His hands!
Dear Lizzy,
It is so good to see your post! Praying for you and Jon, that your transition will be easy and that you will sense the Lord’s guidance and peace for each day. He truly has you in His hands. xoxo
SUNDAY: 1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week? – I’ve been thinking about this question for a while now and I would say it was a blessing and conviction. My older son, Kyle, has had a life of struggles at times. He will be 35 at the end of February and has always been very to himself and independent and not one to call very often. I had to reach out to him to check on his girlfriend’s mom’s health and he started telling me that it may be over. We texted back and forth for a while, and I tried to encourage him to not give up and to open up his heart again. The blessing was him opening up to me, it made this momma’s heart happy. The conviction comes when I think about the struggles he’s had with his now deceased father, his son who has emotional struggles and having a relationship fall apart again and I’m not there to help. But I have to remember that years ago when he was a young teenager and going down the wrong road, I gave him to the Lord to take care of because I couldn’t get Kyle to see I was trying to help him see the destructive path he was on. I have to trust that the Lord still has him and will continue to protect Kyle as he has for so many years. But I’m glad he feels he can open up to me after the rough rebellious years we struggled as mom and son. Thank you, Lord, for keeping him safe all these years. I know that hedge of protection only you can give will still be around him. You are a good, good Father.
Oh, Julie! what a sweet blessing from God. Our relationships with our children are so important to us. But as you have said here: “But I have to remember that years ago when he was a young teenager and going down the wrong road, I gave him to the Lord to take care of because I couldn’t get Kyle to see I was trying to help him see the destructive path he was on. I have to trust that the Lord still has him and will continue to protect Kyle as he has for so many years. But I’m glad he feels he can open up to me after the rough rebellious years we struggled as mom and son. Thank you, Lord, for keeping him safe all these years. I know that hedge of protection only you can give will still be around him. You are a good, good Father” Our children are in God’s hands.
Your renewed relationship with your son made me cry. Again, it’s the never stopping, relentless pursuit of God to those who are wayward. An encouragement, for sure, to keep praying to the One who can truly heal and change us.
Julie, Thank you for sharing your story. Praying God will continue to bless your relationship with your son and bring healing to his own personal life.
Oh Julie, I so understand your post. It is so hard to let our babies fly on their own. I too, had to give my 34 yrs old son to God back as a teen. He is well now and I am so happy that he wants to come home now and misses his family. It has been a very long journey for him. I do believe God has kept him safe and will continue to do so. I will pray for Kyle.
Laura, it is very hard, and so glad that your son is on the way back home. We can continue to pray for them to feel the presence of God in their lives.
SUNDAY:
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week?
Last week’s study on “The Mark of a Christian” was uplifting and convicting. I came before the Lord and asked Him to forgive me of my past unforgiveness toward a brother or sister in Christ. I may have given it lip service or in my head, but my heart was not fully engaged in forgiveness.
I felt His reassurance of His love for me. He gave me a special sense of awareness that the knot I have often felt in my stomach when people come to mind has been taken away. There is also a sense of clarity as to His purposes for the situations that have transpired in the past. We are all at different stages in our Christian walk and I want to be more forbearing and loving in my relationships with the body of Christ.
Dee, I appreciate that we are taking this short side trip with Paige. As always, the Lord is using her in my life to see Jesus more clearly, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more nearly. Day by day.
Dear Bing, you are always such a sweet blessing. I appreciate your story of the need for forgiveness for others, and your observation that it often takes time to look back later and have clarity as to why God brought you through that particular trial. I can testify to the same. Though we do not know in full, I am just amazed at how much He has taught me through the times when I actually felt He was being cruel to me to break certain relationships which had previously given me much joy and security. How He pursues the soul He loves and often cuts and wounds in order that He might heal deep faults we could not see before. At least this is my testimony of His ways with me.
Missy, your words here are so spot on! As much as I do not want to acknowledge it, relational idolatry was very present in some of my past hurts due to the idol of approval and comfort: “Though we do not know in full, I am just amazed at how much He has taught me through the times when I actually felt He was being cruel to me to break certain relationships which had previously given me much joy and security.” I am comforted by the fact that God knows me fully well and He sees the ” sin cancers” in my life that needs the Surgeon’s hands.
Love this precious dialog between you dear sisters. I love this and Amen to this, dear Bing: I am comforted by the fact that God knows me fully well and He sees the ” sin cancers” in my life that needs the Surgeon’s hands. So true!!!
Miriam Matson
January 19, 2025
How has the Lord blessed or convicted you this past week?
I was so very blessed this morning as I was unable to attend church and instead watched the livestream of Alistair Begg’s Parkside Church. Incidentally, he has been preaching through John 17 expositionally for many months now. Today, he pointed out something of which I had never considered before in verse 24 where Jesus expresses His desire that His children be with Him where He is. I thought of how much I long to have the fellowship of my children in close physical proximity. I feel happy surrounded by my children. But to think that Jesus actually longs for me and all of His other children to be with Him and seems to have such anticipation of the moment we all are around Him in Heaven one day, is almost too much for my poor throbbing heart to take in. He wants ME with HIM??? I have believed that He loved me and gave Himself for me, but to go further than that and believe that He actually longs to have me with Him physically??!!! My heart jumps for sheer joy at the thought. Alistair brought out how the thief on the cross, in simple faith in his dying moments, was promised, “Today, you will be with Me!” I would actually like to emblazon those words on a plaque to hang on the wall of my bedroom so that when I awaken each morning, I would see the words, “I desire that you would be with Me!” What anticipation of going to actually see and live with my Bridegroom forever! It’s just too wonderful for me!
My heart also skipped a beat when I saw that Dee had decided to do the study on Ruth with Paige. I finished listening to her exposition on the first chapter yesterday and felt it was her very best study (I think I say that often, but each one gets even better)! How precious are the truths she emphasized to the heart of the believer. Thank you, Dee, for introducing us to Paige several years ago, and for encouraging us to participate in her Bible studies periodically. Her delivery used to grate on my nerves a bit, but I cannot, for the life of me, understand why now as I look back on it. Paige is so real, and even in her sometimes pounding deliveries, she often has a break in her voice as she draws each lesson to a close as the truths about Jesus hit so closely to her own heart. How thankful I am for Dee and Paige and all my blog sisters here!
Thank you for mentioning Alistair Begg here, Missy. We have started a 30-minute children’s teaching time after early services on the first and 3rd Sunday of the month. And we are using his children’s book, “C is for Christian”. It is a very good book! Thank you for sharing his message on John 17! Wow-Jesus longs for me, for us! Beautiful words!
Missy, This is such a wonderful mind picture and an encouraging post. How I long for the day when we see Jesus face to face. I so agree that Paige is so real and that Jesus is so real in her life. I agree, this short study is So excellent!!
Oh, Julie! what a sweet blessing from God. Our relationships with our children are so important to us. But as you have said here: “But I have to remember that years ago when he was a young teenager and going down the wrong road, I gave him to the Lord to take care of because I couldn’t get Kyle to see I was trying to help him see the destructive path he was on. I have to trust that the Lord still has him and will continue to protect Kyle as he has for so many years. But I’m glad he feels he can open up to me after the rough rebellious years we struggled as mom and son. Thank you, Lord, for keeping him safe all these years. I know that hedge of protection only you can give will still be around him. You are a good, good Father” Our children are in God’s hands.
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story? Micah had stolen from his mother but returned the money and she took the money and had an idol made and out in Micah’s house. He made a Levite from Benjamin his priest and had then Levite live with him. Starting in 17 we just find darkness. There is no longer a cycle of repentance and sin.
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25) A Levite and the woman while traveling stayed with a stranger. Townsmen came and wanted sex with the Levite and he pushed the woman out to be raped and abused. She went back to the threshold of house and next morning he was awful to her plight, he strapped her on his donkey and when he got home he cut her into 12 pieces and sent them to all Israel. People did what was right in their own eyes. They had no reverence for God and His laws.
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO! In the days when the judges ruled Oh no. I can’t take it. But this fairy tale like story is not extraordinary at all. Book of Ruth tells us that God is personally, intimately hands on in our lives Study of Ruth is so that I can recognize the hands of God in my life. His hands are always at work, according to His heart
Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses? Naomi, her husband and 2 sons go to live for a while on Moab because of famine in Bethlehem. Her husband dies. Her 2 sons marry Moabite women and then 2 sons die.
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long? About ten years
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts? Hard decision for parents who want their kids excited about Jesus. So it’s finding a strong Biblically based church that have children and youth programs follow through in biblical teaching that your children will look forward to attending. Thank God, His word never fails. COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now? It’s an instrument of healing in God’s hand instrument of destruction in evil hands. A child of God needs to trust the hard hurtful process and that God is good and sovereign Hardship otherwise can turn to bitterness, hatred and moving farther from God. I need to surrender and trust His plan. Give thanks in all circumstances and come under His umbrella of protection and goodness. Work on trusting and believing I am His beloved child.
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6? Naomi received word that the Lord was visiting His people and there was food in Bethlehem.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son? The prodigal son was starving, realized he was better off at his father’s and he humbly returned willing to be his father’s servant .
. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week? My particular blessing came from the prayer request of two of my son’s. I lead a prayer group once a month and not having spoken with them at length recently, I asked for any requests they may have. Their great love for the Lord was evident. What greater blessing in this life, than to know your children love and follow the Lord.
MONDAY: The Bethlehem Trilogy
Whether or not you watch Paige, you can do these questions. If you watch, share anything you like as it pertains to what she said concerning these questions.
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? Wanted blessings from God without submitting to God. How does Bethlehem enter into this story?A Levite from Bethlehem sojourned there.
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? Gang raped/slaughtered. How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25) Everyone does right in his own eyes.
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO! In the days when the judges ruled-oh no, not more corrupt Israelites doing what’s right in their own eyes. This book shows us God is hands on.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story?
Micah was dishonest (he stole his mother’s money) and he worshipped idols. Micah returned the money to his mother and she asked God to bless him. (She was asking for a blessing from God for an idol maker…confusion) The Levite, who came to stay with Micah, was offered a position of a priest. He was not qualified to be a priest. The Levite was from Bethlehem. B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25)
The concubine was abused and died. “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25 C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO
The events of Judges were so brutal that it would be hard to read and take on more of that. Too much darkness. I noticed that even Paige’s prayer was filled with her heart breaking for all that is happening in the world and in our own country. I feel the same way ~ our world sounds a bit like Judges right now. It will be a good time to hear about the wonderful relationship in Ruth.
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week?
I have to say that God is helping me appreciate my new age. I am just not as young as I used to be and sometimes that means I can’t do everything I have always done. It is quite sobering. However, I don’t want to mess myself up for my future either. I’m trying to learn to be rational! Maybe rollerskating at 61 wasn’t the best idea 🤷🏻♀️.
Also, I bought a bible for my DIL and she loved it. My SON asked to take his 3rd grade, embossed Bible home with him as he returned to the Netherlands! I couldn’t believe it. Thank You Lord ♥️
Wow! Laura, what wonderful answers to prayer!! 💕Thank you Lord! You crack me up with your comment on rollerskating I’m sure it was a good idea as long as you didn’t hurt yourself or fall!😍🌟
Laura, we are the exact same age, only days apart in birth! You would never catch me dead trying to roller skate at this age so you are light years younger than in me in fitness for sure!
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below. A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story?
Micah steals money from his mother. She puts a curse on the soul who did it, not knowing it’s him. When he admits he is the one, she says “at least you told the truth” and dedicates the silver to the Lord. She has an image cast of him and builds an idol out of some of the silver to honor him. He takes them and places them in his house as an idol and one son becomes his personal “priest.”
As time moves on, Micah has a Levite from Bethlehem visit. He is looking for a place to live. He tells him he can live with him and he will feed and take care of him. He says the Levite can be a father (?) and and priest for him. He becomes like a son to Micah. Micah believes God will be happy because he has an actual Levite in his home representing God.
MONDAY: The Bethlehem Trilogy
Whether or not you watch Paige, you can do these questions. If you watch, share anything you like regarding what she said concerning these questions.
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story?
Darkness reigned! Micah was from Ephraim or Bethlehem (was I reading it correctly from a blog that Bethlehem is an inheritance to the Ephratites so Ephraim and Bethlehem are the same?) He had a shrine, made an ephod and some idols, and installed one of his sons as a priest and a Levite as a priest in his household. Israel had no king, and everyone did as he saw fit. Micah is “king” in his household.
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25)
The Levite took a concubine who was later gang raped and abused and later died and was cut into 12 pieces and sent out to the 12 tribes. Everyone did as they saw fit. everyone was their own “king” making decisions that cater to their desires and self-absorption.
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO!
“In the days when the judges ruled…”
We would think that something like what happened to Micah and the concubine will happen again in the story of Ruth! Perhaps a third story of darkness. I love what she said next: But, instead, there was a gleam of dawn. The book of Ruth is a beautiful tapestry woven into the ordinary lives of very ordinary people in very ordinary events by the seeming hidden hands of God. She used the song “He’s got the whole world in His hands” to a personalized second verse, “He’s got you and me, brother…). Ruth is a story of God’s personal sovereignty, and providence in people’s lives; we have a God who is hands-on. Ruth is a study of “The Hands of God” and for us to recognize His hands in our lives.
And I thought, yes, there is this seemingly sad trilogy of Bethlehem in the OT, but oh, Jesus, is the DAWN in the NT. For He was born in Bethlehem! He brought light into the city of darkness and the world.
Bing — learned something from you. I think you are right that Bethlehem and Ephrata are the same. At least several sources say so. You have more information than I found though. Interesting! I rather love that since I live in a village named Ephraim. I have a painting of it (my village) and the name of it is “Oh Little Town.” So the artist must have known!
I thank God for the realization that no trilogy of darkness (in Bethlehem) had the final say. Jesus shows up to bring light in that dark, dark world. This makes me bow down in worship to the King of Kings and be hopeful when darkness threatens to envelop me. Jesus reigns! I love the promises in Revelation that we are studying now with BSF. Our enemy has already been defeated and we can walk in victory that is ours in Christ.
MONDAY: The Bethlehem Trilogy I have not listened to Paige yet.
Whether or not you watch Paige, you can do these questions. If you watch, share anything you like as it pertains to what she said concerning these questions.
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story? Wow, What a mish mash of religion is happening here. Micah steals from his mother, and because of her continual lament and cursing about the money, he returns it with a confession (buy no remorse). She in turn asks the Lord to bless Micah, for she had dedicated that money to the Lord for the purpose of making an idol for Micah. So she gives it back to him and Micah makes the idol, which he places in his own private house of worship. Micah is a dishonest, scheming man, BUT he is religious, in a superstitious way. Then we see a traveling Levite from Bethlehem stop at Micah’s home. Micah hires the Levite to be his own pruvate priest, providing the Levite with priestly accessories and a yearly salary. Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest.
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25) Another Levite, he takes a concubine from Bethlehem. As their story progresses the are spending the night in Gibeah, a strange town. A stranger persuades the Levite to spend the night in his home. Just as in Sodom, the men of the city come demanding that the Levite be given to them. The concubine is given to them instead, and she is sexually abused all night. When they finish with her she returns to the house where the Levite is staying. She dies with her hands lying upon the threshold. When the Levite opens the door in the morning, he sees her. He takes her body home and divides it into twelve pieces which he sends throughout the tribes of Israel. This leads to a war and the tribe of Benjamin is almost completely annihilated. Everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes. Blatant disregard for the laws God had given them,and the level of morality was very low.
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO! Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, As I said, I have listened to the very beginning of Paige’s lesson. In fact I stopped right here to read Judges 17-21 before listening any further. If did not already know the book of Ruth, I would probably thought, OH NO! The deceit, murder, war, slaughter, abduction, etc. of those chapters were horrendous: this would lead me to think Ruth would be another example of wanton disregard for God.
An extra comment:
At first, I was struck by how ludicrous I thought the happenings were from Judges Chapters 17-21. I thought “those” Israelites were crazy and no wonder God came with His promised judgment. He will not look the other way when His people do not repent of their sins. Then it dawned on me, that our world right now is no different than the nation of Israel. Many live as they deem fit. And I am guilty of this when I do it my way and do not heed God’s conditions for a righteous life that pleases Him. He is true to His words of blessings and curses. I am thankful for the Book of Ruth and its glimmer of dawn.
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18
A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9? Go back to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness and find rest in the home of another husband
B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!) per Paige she was sending them away from God not towards Him. She wanted to be alone in her grief and didn’t want the distraction of fellowship and mentoring. Her attitude towards God was still wrong.
C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back? 4
D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15? Being sent to the gods of child sacrifice is cruel and shows Naomi’s bitterness and despair.
E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true? She blamed and resented Him, had no relationship with Him, and didn’t expect things to improve. She forgot that she and her husband had had turned away from Him. She had wrongly concluded God was against her and was out to destroy her.
F. Paige said that saying “It is what it is” is Nihilism. Thoughts? It is what is is. It’s not Biblical and doesn’t look at what God is doing or what God has done. It takes Him out of my present and future. A place where I do not want to be.10. Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say? That she will go with Naomi so don’t urge her to turn back, her people and God would be Ruth’s people and God. Where Naomi would die she would die.
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer. How solemn Ruth’s commitment was to Naomi. Ruth was clinging to what little she knew of God. Something stirred within Ruth that made her realize she needed to go with her. I don’t know if it was what she’d witnessed or been told by her husband or Naomi, but she knew that she must go with her. Ruth gives everything she has to everything she knows of God. Her choice was Moab and everything minus God or Bethlehem and nothing but God and she chose God.
C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see? That I want my heart to be knitted to His heart so that I’m always attached to Him for His life giving supply.
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see? Rahab had heard about God as had Ruth. Whatever they had heard was enough to stake claim to God not towards their own people’s gods.
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why? Her choice speared to be perpetual poverty, no social, spiritual or racial advantage. She would be an outcast with embittered Naomi who said God had decimated her life. No emotional advantage as Naomi was hardly a fun companion.
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why? God. He came and got Ruth. Somehow Ruth knew to respond to Him. I liked that Paige said there is nothing that makes sense about being a Christian. It’s a miracle! I’m one of those believers and it’s a miracle. He comes and gets us. It’s always a miracle, it’s always His grace and always His love.
Love all your answers, Judy. Especially love your answer to F. It’s a miracle! I’m one of those believers and it’s a miracle.He comes and gets us. It’s always a miracle, it’s always His grace and always His love. AMEN!
10. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. How does Naomi respond in verse 18? Paige said the phrase is literally that Naomi goes silent. What is “the silent treatment” often meant to communicate?
B. Describe the dialogue between Naomi and the women of Bethlehem. What do you see? How might this have been hurtful to Ruth?
C. Eon Duguid: “We would rather bear the pain of continued emptiness than confess our pursuit of fulness in all the wrong places.” How might you see this in Naomi? Do you agree with this concerning Naomi? Have you done this?
D. How did God respond to the grumbling Israelites? How does He respond to Naomi? How has He responded to you?
11. Who really left His home to cleave to us even unto death?
12. Paige returns to her theme about the surgeon’s hands. What do you know about the hands of Christ?
13. Paige tells a story of her 6 1/2 hour heart surgery and her mother’s concern about her comfort. The surgeon said, “The point is not to make her comfortable but to fix her heart.” How has God brought pain into your life in order to fix your heart?
MONDAY: The Bethlehem Trilogy Whether or not you watch Paige, you can do these questions. If you watch, share anything you like as it pertains to what she said concerning these questions. 1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below. A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story? – Micah built idols and kept them in his shrine. He stole eleven hundred shekels from his mother who had put a curse on them. But he gave them back to her. Micah thought more about status, he was a thief, and he built idols. A Levite from Bethlehem came and was staying as a foreigner in Ephraim. There was no king in Israel and everyone did as they pleased. B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25) – She was abused, assaulted and mutilated. These men had no care of the life of others They took things into their own hands, had no repentance and never even sought out the Lord. C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO! – “In the days when the judges ruled.” I think, oh gee, here we go again. No regrets of sin will be shown, there will be no seeking the Lord for help. People will do whatever they want to do. Their rebellion against God will increase.
1B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25)
She was gang raped and left for dead. Her “husband?” (I thought a concubine was a soft form of a prostitute?) took her home, cut up her body into 12 pieces and sent it to the twelve tribes. That’s just awful…..the people did whatever they wanted because they could. There were no judges.
1C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO!
Ruth is a story that begins with the “…judges ruling in Israel…” The judges weren’t necessarily the best at keeping control of the people. It ends with total disarray. This may not end well!
TUESDAY: The Surgeon’s Hands
REASONS FOR INTERVENTION
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? The famine is allowed because of the disobedience. Also, barrenness and oppression are other curses. Why do you think the Lord allows this? Keeping his promises of judgement.
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Elimelek chose to go to Moab, knowing it was a pagan land, without consulting God. His sons end up marrying there. Thoughts? Though practical, it was a moving away spiritually.
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different? The Dead Sea, mountains, but the curses of Israel have brought the famine.
COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses? Her husband died in Moab, her sons married Moabite women, her sons died.
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long? 10 years. They did not seek the Lord in this decision. They left the land of God’s promise/provision. Elimelek means “My God is King”, but there is no king as everyone is doing what’s right in their own eyes and Elimelek does this too. Moab was born out of Lot’s incestuous relationship of his daughter. They stay even after Elimelek dies and make it their home, despite knowing they should not marry Moabites. Barrenness follows for 10 years. HOW DO WE RESPOND IN DIFFICULT TIMES? Despair, disappointment, turn towards the Lord or turn away to sojourn in easier places.
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts? I can testify of the dire impact of sojourn on my family genealogy. I have a precious booklet from my grandmother’s grandmother, printed in 1885. It is a profession of faith of Grace Shaffner. Her mother wrote this, as Grace was about 10 years old at the time. Grace had a rather dramatic turn to the Lord when she experienced the death of her cousin, Charlie. It is the sweetest story and too long to relay here, but this story caused me to forever treasure Psalm 103:17-18 where we are promised the steadfast love of the Lord to our children’s children. Though Grace’s mom taught her the catechism by the age of 7 and worked diligently to pass on her faith, by my generation, my parents did not have a bible in our home, did not pray before meals, never sang a hymn or shared Jesus love for us with THIER children. My parents were brought up in the church and had THIER children baptized, but golfing on Sundays and other things took the place of family worship. Thank God for VBS, and Young Life, and the many seeds planted in my life by other Christians. God is faithful. A tragic car accident involving my entire family, turned most of us to the Lord, but my mother turned away. She has in recent years shown some signs of turning back but it’s sad to see her struggle in life spiritually with a hardened heart towards the Lord because of her trials in life.
COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now? There are many hardships over the past decade or more and I praise the Lord he has had grace on my family to keep us close to him, though we have not responded always in the best way, we have been able to return to the Lord’s ways and stay in his Word to draw closer and closer to Him and to one another.
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6? She received word that the Lord had visited his people and there was food in Bethlehem.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son? SHE GOES HOME TO BETHLEHEM FOR PHYSICAL FOOD AND SO DOES THE PRODIGAL SON, BUT SPIRITUALLY IT IS REPENTANCE.
Oh, Chris! Your story of your grandmother’s grandmother gave me chills! I so see God’s hand on your life! Praise Him! I thank God for your beautiful heart for our Father! I love the you have Praised Him through the valleys. Thank you for sharing this story.
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this?
The Lord desired obedience and repentance. The blessings included setting them high above all nations, prosperity, fertility, abundance in food, increasing herds, prominence and success as a nation. Blessings over their enemies.The people of all the earth will see that you honor the Lord and His is with you in all ways. He will open treasures of the heavens.
The curses of disobedience will be scarcity of food, failure of crops, disease, drought, loss of wars, loss of children, barrenness, confusion and fear, defeat before your enemies, and a sense of powerlessness against all that is happening.
The Lord desires love and obedience to His commandments, but man always thinks he has a better idea. Elimelech did not turn to God in prayer, he just acted on his own. 3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts?
Elimelech took his wife, Naomi, and their two sons from Bethlehem to Moab. The sons both married Moabite women, which was against God’s commands. Elimelech and both of the sons died, leaving Naomi a widow in a foreign country with no sons. The Moabites wives, Orpah and Ruth survived. Elimelech was not following God’s commands and he brought destruction to his family. Naomi felt that God had turned against her, yet she was returning to Bethlehem. 4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different?
God had kept His promise of judging Israel for disobedience. Bethlehem was a fruitful land, but under God’s judgment. Moab brought them death and barreness.
COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY 5. Read Ruth 1:1-5 A. What happens to Naomi in these verses?
Naomi loses her husband and her two sons. B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long?
They were in Moab ten years, when Naomi’s sons died. C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts?
Somethings don’t change. People select the temporary charms of this earth over the eternal treasures of heaven. COMPLEXITIES OF GOD 6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now?
A child of God looks to our Heavenly Father during hardship, where a child of the devil has no where to turn, yet may blame God when bad things happen. 7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6?
Naomi made the decision to go back to Bethlehem. She did not go the Lord in prayer, and she felt that the hand of the Lord had gone out against here, when truly the Lord was leading her. She felt God’s divine judgment. 8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son?
It is a returning. A repentance of the Heart. I love that it goes back to the heart.
Just listening to Paige again! Like the sinful son eating pig food in the prodigal son, God (with His surgeon hand) comes running to Ruth~ stirs her heart from resignation, to go home ~ there is food in Bethlehem; a slow turning of her heart. Her blessings to her daughters in law seem a bit hollow. She sees no future for them in following her.
Patti — I have wondered if that is because she knows the faithful who remained in Bethlehem would not take a Moabite as a wife — and marriage was so important back then for the woman.
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this?
Blessings: towns, fields, children, crops, protection from attacks, anything you do, herds, offspring, prosperity, lifted above other nations.
Curses: confusion, fields, children, completely destroyed, diseases, fevers, dusty land, enemies, madness, boils, afflictions, cheating, eaten by others.
I think God allows it to deter us from having it happen. We have free choice and will.
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts?
There was a famine and a family from Bethlehem went to live in Moab. It’s weird because the word Bethlehem literally means “bread.” nothing good could have come from moving to a place where you knew you weren’t supposed to mingle…
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different?
It depends where they were located. Were they near water? A mountain? A valley? A desert? But I’m guessing God had His hand in this. The Israelites struggled with obedience and they would have known about the blessing/curse “list” in Deuteronomy. God might have been doing exactly what He said He would with famine for disobedience.
Your good answer to 4 made me research and I found out something fascinating. Bethlehem was in a fertile area but was barren, Moab in a desert area near the dead sea but was fruitful. Wow!
TUESDAY: The Surgeon’s Hands REASONS FOR INTERVENTION
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this? Blessings: First among all nations, people will multiply, perfect weather, crops will be bountiful, herds will grow, basically ALL of their needs and wants will be fulfilled. Surrounding nations will be afraid of Israel, and if there are any battles their enemies will fail. Curses: Oh my, too many to recount here. The list starts in verse 16 and continues to verse 68. Horrible curses. Famine, drought, disease (details made my skin crawl), family conflict, wars, death, destruction, captivity,etc. The laws/commands were given to establish the nation of Hebrews as chosen by God. Their prosperity would be a witness to the world of the only, true God. I think about last week with Schaeffer’s essay, God is love/holy. He does not lie, and He would not ignore rebellion. He did love them, but if Israel was rebellious, then God would allow all the afflictions/curses to happen as a consequence to guide them back.
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts? There was famine in the land (Israel), during the time of Judges when the people rebelled against the Lord. It must have been very widespread, otherwise I think Elimilech might have traveled to another part of Israel.
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different? Maybe lack of rain, so crops failed in Bethlehem. Drought/famine were stated consequences for rebellion. COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses? A move to a pagan country, her sons marry pagan women, no grandchildren, husband dies, both sons die. The family
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long? Ten years.
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts? Firstly, a church having a “fun” kids ministry, does not necessarily mean that it’s not a gospel-centered church. It could be both. But any decision involving a move from one assembly to another should involve a lot of prayer. I believe that the Lord places us where He want us to worship and grow, and there should be direct leading of the Spirit to move elsewhere. COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now? I’ll use my life as an example. Losing the ability to talk in a normal voice, and singing was out of the question, I went thru a period of depression. How was I going to teach if I could not even read a book to children? I took my worries to the Lord in prayer, and then lived my life adapting to my limitations. I have seen the Lord open doors and provide opportunities for me to still thrive in education and music. If I had not known the Lord, and trusted Him, I could have become a bitter, angry, depressed woman; that’s exactly what Satan wants.
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6? Ruth heard that the LORD had ended the famine, and she wanted to go back home.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son? The younger son finally hit bottom and realized to what depths he had sunk. It’s interesting that he practiced his words of repentance before meeting his father again. The son had no expectations other than to be forgiven and allowed to go home.
Cheryl — see my answer above to Laura — I learned something fascinating.
I agree that a fun kids ministry could also be deep, though I don’t think that is what Paige meant. In so many churches the kids ministries are nearly all fun and games, and they are big, and kids want to go there because their friends are there. But yes, we should seek the Lord. I think the teaching is key, for that is what matures the parents, who mature the kids.
Wednesday: Faint-Hearted Response of Naomi
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18
A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9? Naomi tell them to go back to their own families. She tells them there is nothing for them if they stay with her. No possibility of husband, children, no future.
B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!) Maybe Naomi loved them and did not want them to suffer her own fate. The young women certainly would have been better off economically at home with their parents. Might she have been so bitter that in returning to Bethlehem she didn’t want the responsibility of two young widows?
C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back? Four times
D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15? Naomi is praising Orpah’s decision to return to her gods, and she wants Ruth to follow that example. It shows how much compromised Naomi has become that she would say other gods are preferable for Ruth. I hear this today in remarks such as: It doesn’t matter who you worship, as long as it’s a higher power. That’s almost what Naomi was saying.
E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true? The Lord is against me and has taken everything from me. As Dee pointed out in one of her studies, the Lord had placed Ruth right in front of Naomi, and she would not acknowledge that.
F. Paige said that saying “It is what it is” is Nihilism. Thoughts? First I had to look up that word, lol. Nihilism is defined as a rejection of religious/moral values, that life is meaningless. Saying “it is what it is” seems to me more like resignation in any situation. I don’t know that that equated with life being meaningless, but it certainly provides an excuse to ignore something. Whenever I think something is beyond me to affect, I always follow that thought with “but God…”
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5 A. What happens to Naomi in these verses?
She was taken by her husband to Moab. He does. Her sons married Moabite women and then they both died. She was left alone with her daughters in law. B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long?
They were there for 10 years.
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts?
I suppose, in theory, she is right. I think it’s important to keep youth going to church though, because they are so vulnerable to the outside world. I think young families help churches grow.
I agree young families help churches grow. I think the focus again is the heart. We can’t attend only for entertainment, which is sometimes the case, only to leave and continue to live our lives in a worldly way. The language Naomi uses with her DIL when she is trying to dissuade them really stood out to me, because she sounds “Christian”-but in reality her words are hollow. Sometimes our actions can be as well.
Dee and sisters,
I am following along but will need to take a break from commenting. I have been having spells of vertigo and will see the doctor on Thursday. I am finding it hard to focus and has kept my commitments to a minimum and have canceled a few things. Please pray for me. Thank you!
I am so sorry. I’ve had vertigo several times, and it can be debilitating. Dear Lord, Thank you for your loving hand and presence in our lives. Please help Bing to recover from this episode of vertigo and may she receive the care she needs on Thursday. In Jesus name, amen
Thank you for your prayers. I could feel them lifting my spirits as I visited with my primary doctor. It sounded like my symptoms were a combination of several factors compounded by stress. I could tell that my doctor was very thoughtful in her diagnosis and conservative in her approach to my condition. The vertigo is easing up as well as the other symptoms. Praise God! He provided a friend who went with me and drove the one-hour distance. Despite my condition, I could honestly say, I had a delightful trip with her!
I have notes from listening to Paige twice now and will listen again since we have the extra time due to her absence. Praying for her as she cares for her father.
I am very much touched by the openness of everybody in sharing their present struggles. I see the hands of Jesus holding yours and mine when there seems to be no answer to our heart’s cry in sight. God’s initiative to come and “get” us still overwhelms me. I don’t deserve His love but He came for me.
I thought of this verse when I think of Ruth’s vow to cleave to Naomi’s God:
For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. Isaiah 54:5
I shared this verse with my Mom when my Dad passed away at 53. Like Ruth, my mom believed that Her Maker and Lord would care for her and He surely did! Praying for the request that I have seen here.
Bev
January 21, 2025
TUESDAY: The Surgeon’s Hands
REASONS FOR INTERVENTION
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this?
—There are blessings of prominence over other nations. Blessing will be in their lives wherever they reside. They will be blessed with children and productive farming and livestock. In all their livelihood and wherever they travel. They will overcome their enemies and God will establish them as a people holy to Himself. The list is kind of endless to the good He promised them if they would obey God’s commandments and not go after other gods.
And if they would not obey what God had said or be careful to do all He commanded then the opposite of the blessings he promised would happen to them and events it would cause their destruction.
—I think it is all about the issue of the heart. As Paige said in the past. “It’s about the heart Stupid!”
To seek God, have a relationship with God and to know and love God brings blessing into peoples lives. So the converse is true as well. When someone rejects God and has all selfish objectives and spurns his ways and hardens their heart toward him they end up empty and sin wreaks havoc in their lives. It is also about God’s glory. A prideful sinful life cannot glorify God because it goes totally against all that He is.
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts?
—The man (Elimelech) went to live in Moab which was a place that had been forbidden by God for Hebrews to live.
It was actually an act of disobedience on Elimelech and Naomi’s part so they set themselves up for the curses of God.
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different?
—The famine in Israel was because of their disobedience.
COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses?
—After moving to and settling in to Moab she became a widow and both of her sons died.
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long?
—About 10 years.
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts?
—Paige said we tend to go to spiritually easy places thinking we are just going to sojourn but we end up moving there.
Motives are important and it is important to seek God’s will for all decisions.
COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now?
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6?
—“the Lord had blessed his people” That speaks to God’s grace.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son?
—It was God who let Naomi hear about him blessing his people back in Judah with good crops while she was still in Moab. She was a widow whose circumstances had to be dire. Hearing didn’t change her heart but it prompted her to do something and move back. So it was with the young prodigal son. It was his hunger and misery that caused him come to his senses and realize he would be better off as a hired worker for his father than among the pigs in a far country.
is also about God’s glory. A prideful sinful life cannot glorify God because it goes totally against all that He is. You said this perfectly, Bev. It hits a point that is clarifying when we consider lives that seem beautiful in a worldly way, yet they don’t glorify God, this is the distinction we need to keep in mind. Growing up my family did not include the Lord in our lives, but kept a high moral standard, which seemed acceptable and even admirable in society, but was lacking spiritually and in the end very empty and truly unattainable without the forgiveness of the Father.
Thursday: Full-Hearted Response of Ruth
10. Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say? SHE MAKES A COMMITMENT TO GOD, TO STAND BY NAOMI AND HER GOD. SHE CHOOSES GOD ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE. THERE IS NO ADVANTAGE TO CLINGING TO NAOMI. CLINGING TO NAOMI IS ONLY A DISADVANTAGE IN WORLDLY MEANS. NAOMI CLAIMS GOD HAS AFFLICTED HER AND RUTH CHOOSES THIS GOD.
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? TO GOD, BUT IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE CONSIDERING NAOMI’S WITNESS THAT GOD HAS ABANDONED HER. Explain your answer.
C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see? THE EXACT OPPORTUNITY WAS GIVEN TO ORPAH AND RUTH. RUTH CHOSE CHRIST. ORPAH CHOSE THE WORLDLY WISE WAY. IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE TO US. ITS ALWAYS A MIRACLE WHEN SOMEONE BELIEVES.
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see?
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why?
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why? The Lord is at work and she responded to Him. Reminds me of the story of my conversion. My best friend in high school, who was maid of honor at my wedding, and invited me to Young Life, decided she just couldn’t believe all that stuff and turned to the worldly ways after high school, while I chose the narrow gate.
I received an email that Paige needs to break from this study, as her father’s Alzheimer condition is much worse and she needs to be near.
Father God, how I Praise and Honor Your Name and Your power! I thank you for Your hands on care daily for each of us. Lord God, our Father, I pray for Paige and her family, as she travels through this heartbreaking time. Lord God Almighty, I pray that Paige and her family will sense Your Presence right now and in the coming days. You are the Good Shepherd, who loves and cares for Your flock so tenderly, as we walk through these difficult and dark valleys. I thank you for Paige and her ministry and how she has given herself to study and share Your Word in such life changing ways. We thank you and ask all of this in the Mighty Name of Jesus!
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18 A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9?
Naomi tells Orpah and Ruth to return to the homes of their mother’s. She assures them that the Lord will treat them kindly, as they have been so kind to her. She hopes the best for them, each in the house of her husband. Her bitterness is not directed to her daughter in laws. B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!)
It is hard to read Naomi’s thoughts. She speaks firm, yet in a loving way to her daughters in law. It seems that she is so depressed, she cannot deal with anything and feels that she will just go back to Bethlehem and wait to die. She does not look to the Lord for help; she does not pray to Him or even ask Him why; she blames Him for her situation. She cannot see or imagine what He is doing in her life. She is in a black hole. Such a good lesson! We have a choice when we suffer; do we give in to the enemy and defeat or turn to God.
Loved that Paige referenced the Psalms! Crying out to God is acceptable and necessary at times! He will answer in His way and time. C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back?
Three times. D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15?
She knows that Orpah is returning to the place of idol worship. She encourages Ruth to do the same. Is this a challenge? Does she believe in the Lord God? The road to the people who do not worship the true God seems the easier life. E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true?
The hand of God was not against Naomi. He had a plan for her future, but she was too bereft to trust and turn to Him. His plans are not what we can imagine. Ruth is giving her life to God and to Naomi. Orpah took the easier road, possibly in her own eyes, yet she missed the gift that could have been. There are so many good lessons in this book! Our God is a God of Hope and Redemption, but we need to accept the gift He offers instead of trying to plow our own path without Him. Life without God is so futile and empty.
F. Paige said that saying “It is what it is” is Nihilism. Thoughts?
It is a belief that traditional values are senseless and worthless. Whatever happens, happens. I like this definition: Nihilism is a condition in which all ultimate values lose their value. Ronald H. Nash
Our love of God and living by His values can change the world, one person at a time. What we think, say and live is something that people see on a daily basis. Living for self is a dead end, living for God is an eternal future.
Reminds me of Chris’s great example of her grandmother’s grandmother.
—
“Our God is a God of Hope and Redemption, but we need to accept the gift He offers instead of trying to plow our own path without Him. Life without God is so futile and empty.“. Patti, Such a good statement that our God is a God of Hope and Redemption. I was reading Paul Tripp this morning and he referred to Redemption and Restoration as themes throughout the Bible. Our God is always doing something new. 💕
Yes, Patti, nihilism, that’s heard so much today by my immediate family as well. We need to be careful with our words! Eternal future should always be in the forefront of our minds, in every conversation.
Wednesday: Faint-Hearted Response of Naomi
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18
A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9?
—She told them to go back to their childhood homes back to their own mothers. She did ask God to reward them for their kindness to her sons and to herself and that he would bless them with another marriage. But Paige felt she was pretty much just a pragmatic person in her practices of life.
B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!)
—In her bitterness it would seem she was done with everyone and everything. It would make sense she didn’t want the responsibility for them and with her pragmatic mindset at least they would be better off going back to their childhood homes and their own families. They just stood as reminders of her wrong choices and if she got rid of them she could just be left alone in her misery. They were Moabites and to the people of Judah they were unacceptable aliens which would have added to her humiliation in bringing them back with her. I’m sure as she started back she realized they were a liability to her.
C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back?
—3 times Verses 8, 12, 15
D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15?
—She was pushing Ruth to choose and do what she had convinced Orpah to do. I think she was wanting to be free of her. It was that pragmatic frame of mind that Paige talked about. An attitude that we all will be better off if you do what I think and say.
E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true?
—She said He was against her.
F. Paige said that saying “It is what it is” is Nihilism. Thoughts?
— This was very informative as I had never given that statement a thought before as being actually untrue. Paige said it is not a biblical statement and is not biblically true. The reason being that what ever is happening it is what God is doing and allowing and is how He is responding. She also said Naomi’s theology was right in that she knew God is God but her conclusion was wrong that He was against her and out to destroy her.
I would say His grace and mercy were far beyond anything for her to imagine as possible in her life. And it is the same with us to some degree. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what we can think or imagine.
I agree and have stopped saying “It is what it is!”
Everyone — Paige has canceled this week due to her father’s illness. We will do an overview of the themes of Ruth next week. Her lesson on Ruth 1 is still up. Patti led us in a good prayer for Paige.
Love this, Bev: I would say His grace and mercy were far beyond anything for her to imagine as possible in her life. And it is the same with us to some degree. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what we can think or imagine.
6. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now?
I think Christians should respond with hope and optimism, however many (including myself) do not always do that. Those of the evil one would respond with cynicism and despondence.
I have many reasons to not be hopeful and positive in our circumstances as they currently are, with our oldest son shunning us (and I have never met his two kids), and our daughter and the court situation. However, God calls me to be hopeful and put the weight of these two situations in His hands. Thank You Lord, for being my rock when I am weak. 7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6?
There is a blessing in Bethlehem, of food. She turns to make a change.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son?
The prodigal son returns to his father when he realizes that he has failed miserably and is eating/living with pigs! He repents.
Oh, Laura, the heartache in your situation could devastate anyone, and yet you are trusting Him in all of it. Your life is a witness to His faithfulness, and you are glorifying Him through your words and actions. I pray you’ll be surrounded by His grace, and that His presence will be manifested in your life as you live for Him. In Jesus name, amen
Oh, Laura, I think of you so often and of these situations with your grown children. It is so painful to see our children’s heart harden against family. It is so prevalent these days and so heartbreaking. I love that you are giving these situations to the Lord. He knows and understands. I agree with Cheryl Ann, you are glorifying Him in your words and actions.
Thank you ladies! Those are certainly encouraging words. I had a great role model in my mother, who never gave up. Her husband died when she was 48 and he was 50. She never remarried. I remember her sitting at our dining table writing psychiatric reports for hours. Usually midnight. Same for the Bible study she ran at our church. Hours. When she passed, we went through all her things. She loved to read and journaled a lot. I found index cards with encouraging words to herself. Scripture. She loved the Lord. I have mentioned this on the blog before, so pardon if you have read it. A card I have (in her handwriting) says, “Sometimes Lord, I want to toss in the towel. Grant me courage and persistence.” She wasn’t perfect, but she was good. I absolutely know God loves me and is with me. I know He cares. I don’t understand, but He does. I will never give up.
Thursday: Full-Hearted Response of Ruth
10. Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say? Basically she says, Please don’t ask me to leave, I’ll live with you all your life and my life, too. I embrace your God. Ruth shows clear understanding here when she says, “The Lord do so to me, and more also..” She is actually making a vow to the Lord.
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer. To cleave in marriage is to leave your family and be joined together inseparably to your spouse. Physically Ruth is holding on to Naomi, but her words show she has left all thought of her family and gods to be joined to the Lord. This does not make any sense humanly speaking. It is a result of God’s work in Ruth’s heart. In spite of Naomi’s spiritual condition at this moment, she must have been a witness to Ruth of who the Lord is, during their time together before the death of her sons.
C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see? I was thinking the same thing, Dee. One of the many underlined verses in my Bible is Acts 11:23 Barnabas talking to Gentile believers Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see? Both Rahab and Ruth were born and raised in pagan, idolatrous countries. Rahab learned about the God of the Israelites through rumors, and she feared Him. Ruth learned about the Lord from Naomi, and she recognized Him as the true God. Rahab joins the Israelites and the Lord, leaving her family/country, and Ruth leaves her family/country to join Naomi and the Lord. Both women are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why? Ruth was giving up her family, culture, economic security, and the possibility of a future husband to go to a foreign land, One where she would be an outcast, impoverished, no hope for anything better.
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why? They responded differently because God was drawing Ruth to Himself and not Orpah. At this point Ruth was exhibiting more trust in the Lord than Naomi. Recognizing Him as the only true God, she was willing to physically put her future into His hands.
What a great parallel verse from Barnabas on cleaving to the Lord. I also liked that you said cleaving in marriage means a willingness to leave your family. That’s what we tell the women in prison who have, so often, dysfunctional families.
14. What is your takeaway and why? To be careful of bitterness. I read Jeremiah 17:5-6 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD.
6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. It made me realize that bitterness and ingratitude causes me to miss out. The part they will not see prosperity when it comes because the focus is wrong. It’s like Paige said it’s self absorption and not the goodness of God.
TUESDAY: The Surgeon’s Hands REASONS FOR INTERVENTION 2. In the book of Judges, we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this? – Blessings of obedience: blessed in the city, and in the field; abundance fruit in all areas of your life; our enemies will be defeated before us; others will know that we are heir to Christ. The curses of disobedience will be losing all these blessings that God has promised us. We will not be protected by God from pestilence and diseases. Jesus does not ask much from us as his chosen heir. He sacrificed his life, took on our sins so we can have eternity with the Lord, we should be able to do the same for him. We were given a clean slate in a sense when he died on the cross, so we don’t have a lot of backage to get rid of. It’s part of being created in His image, we need to act like him. 3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts? – In Ruth, a man from Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Elimelech, went to Moab with his wife and two sons to sojourn. When I read this, I think of Daniel where he was a foreigner in a strange place and God was with him for his obedience to stay steadfast with his beliefs. It seems like the same for Elimelech and his family. If they stay steadfast in the foreign land God will be with them, but if they fall away and go into disobedience to the truth, curses will come upon them. 4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different? – I wonder if it’s because of the lack of repentance and disobedience to the Lord. They had no regard for the truth of God’s Word and did whatever they wanted and didn’t think twice about others. COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY 5. Read Ruth 1:1-5 A. What happens to Naomi in these verses? – Naomi loses her husband and two sons while they were in Moab. B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long? – They were there about ten years. C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts? – I don’t remember this, but leaving a church that is strong in the Word for a fun kids ministry is not going to help the child grow into a well versed, gospel believing adult. God does not mind that we have fun, but he wants us to have priorities and to be growing in the Word so others that see us will know that we are a Christian and belong to God. COMPLEXITIES OF GOD 6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now? – A child of God will know to pray, cry out to God for protection and stand strong in His Word. They will know how to fight the enemy. A child of the devil will not know how to fight the circumstance. They will become weak, feel alone and fall to the hands of the enemy. For my life, I can know without a doubt that God will fight right along with me in any situation that comes against me. I can cry out to him and find peace in all things. 7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6? – Naomi heard that the Lord had provided for his people and gave them food. 8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son? – They both realized, even a little bit, that they were wrong in walking away from God and doing whatever they wanted to do. They knew that God was able to take care of them and returned to where He was.
Thursday: Full-Hearted Response of Ruth
10. Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say?
—In these verses Ruth demonstrates a commitment not only to stay with Naomi but also a commitment to Naomi’s God the God of Israel. In verse 17 she specifically says the LORD. Which when written in capital letters in the Scripture is referring specifically to Yahweh the God of the Israelites. Ruth had been raised in a pagan culture that worshipped false heathen gods but obviously at some point she recognized Who the one true God was that her husband and his family were associated with at least by their heritage. And perhaps she had even in Moab heard of the One God of the Israelites and his mighty acts. Perhaps when she married Naomi’s son she was curious about the God of the Hebrews and asked questions and perhaps the answers in light of her pagan upbringing made sense to her. We don’t know because we aren’t told but I do believe God had put a draw on her heart as to Who he was because her heart was not cold or hard.
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer.
—It had to be Naomi’s God just from what I answered above.
C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see?
—Ruth was demonstrating a commitment to stick with Naomi no matter what and to do the right thing. I would presume she recognized Naomi needed her even though Naomi had no idea. Naomi had not clung to her own God and Redeemer and even today we see many nominal Christians who profess but do not cling to their own Redeemer Jesus. The older I get the more I recognize my deep need of Him and the more I cling to Him. I just don’t do life well without Jesus.
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see?
—There is a very clear parallel in that they were both non Jewish women raised in pagan cultures that worshipped false gods but had at some point seen and believed in the One true God and were willing to step out in faith and follow Him. It’s a beautiful thing that Rahab was Boaz’s grandmother. So both women are in the linage of Jesus.
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why?
—Because Naomi’s argument of going back to her own people and finding a husband was a much more logical answer than going with Naomi to what was a foreign country for Ruth. She would be an outsider and they were both widows with no source of income or status.
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why?
—I feel because we aren’t told we can only speculate. But I would say that in spite of Naomi for some reason Ruth had placed her faith in Naomi’s God and I think she also demonstrated that she was someone with a heart for a very grumpy old woman and was determined to take care of her because I think it looked liked she wasn’t of the right frame of mind to take care of herself.
Bev, you said, I just don’t do life well without Jesus. That’s me also. Leaning on my own understanding can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and hurt feelings.
Friday: THE GREATER RUTH
10. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. How does Naomi respond in verse 18? Paige said the phrase is literally that Naomi goes silent. What is “the silent treatment” often meant to communicate? Disagreement
B. Describe the dialogue between Naomi and the women of Bethlehem. What do you see? How might this have been hurtful to Ruth? PEOPLE OF BETHLEHEM ARE SHOCKED AT THE SITE OF NAOMI. NAOMI SAYS I HAVE NOTHING-SHE MAKES NOTHING OF HER DAUGHTER, RUTH IS NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGED. NO MENTION OF REPENTANCE.
C. Eon Duguid: “We would rather bear the pain of continued emptiness than confess our pursuit of fulness in all the wrong places.” How might you see this in Naomi? She does not look for God’s blessings. Do you agree with this concerning Naomi? Yes. Have you done this? Oh, yes-in the loss of my sexuality at the young age of 46. It was a loss of identity for me as a wife and as a woman, as a result of thyroid related health issues. (DIFFERENCES IN THE SOURCES OF OUR SADNESS AND THE SOURCES OF OUR BITTERNESS. ) It’s subtle-loss can be sad, but crippling self-absorption is unhealthy. I knew it was the Lord who allowed this, but became crippled and self-absorbed. For years now I have been on a journey of medical trials, diet change and supplements, attempting to “fix” what the Lord has allowed. To make the situation more difficult, this happened during a time that my marriage was at its worst. In my lack of trust, I hid my problem and it only grew, magnifying all the problems.
D. How did God respond to the grumbling Israelites? The Lord immediately makes it sweet for them. How does He respond to Naomi? He provides for her. He does not stop pursuing her. How has He responded to you? My problem has not been fixed, but relationships have become more sweet to me and my marriage has changed in a way it never could have before. There has been a great loss, but also a great gain. The Lord continues to pursue me, may I never abandon my faith in Him ❤️
11. Who really left His home to cleave to us even unto death? Jesus-he had to leave heaven, but he also had to leave the disciples.
12. Paige returns to her theme about the surgeon’s hands. What do you know about the hands of Christ? NAOMI SEES THE PAIN SHE HAS AS A STABBING NOT A HEALING. THE LORD HAS GIVEN HER RUTH, BUT SHE DOESN’T SEE THIS GIFT. GOD IS THE COMMITTED REDEEMER. CHRIST LEFT THE GLORY OF HEAVEN TO BE WITH US. HE CLEAVES TO US EVEN UNTO DEATH. THE FATHER CAME TO CHRIST AFTER HIS DEATH TO RESTORE HIM. THE FATHER SEEMS TO EMPTY US- CHRIST HUNG ON THE CROSS FOR US-EVERYTHING WE ENDURE, CHRIST KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES TO REDEEM. In my challenges in life, the hands of Christ are always evident, if I watch for Him. I have had fellow saints walk alongside me. I have had continued blessings in this blog, in church family, in my immediate family. Innumerable earthly blessings, but more importantly God’s word and the gift of prayer have been my constant companions.
13. Paige tells a story of her 6 1/2 hour heart surgery and her mother’s concern about her comfort. The surgeon said, “The point is not to make her comfortable but to fix her heart.” How has God brought pain into your life in order to fix your heart? THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INSTANCES OF PAIN IN MY LIFE AND EVERY TIME MY HEART IS TURNED TO GOD, PRAISE JESUS. IT IS SO HARD TO SEE (beyond the pain)SOMETIMES, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE’S WORKING ON MY IDENTITY. HE HAS TO STRIP AWAY EVERYTHING UNTIL MY ONLY IDENTITY IS IN HIM.
Oh Chris. I just listened to a sermon on Isaiah 59 by Mark Vloegup (new President of Gospel Coalition) on unfixable situations and how God says His arm is not too short to save. I do pray that for you!
Thank you, I will look that one up. I’m finally feeling like it’s okay if nothing changes. The sadness will always be there, as with any loss, but I’m not crippled with self-absorption anymore and I’m able to see the blessings that have come. I’m for sure much more sympathetic to those who struggle with sexual problems, dysphoria, etc. Before this happened, I could not understand how one could possibly struggle with these things, but now I have seen first hand how things can go terribly wrong in that department and what a curse it can be to live with when you have no one in your corner. The suicide rate among homosexuals and others dealing with these things is out of sight and I can see why. Without my identity in Christ, I would be there, too.
Oh, dear Chris. I join Bev in praying for you. Thank you for your transparency. Thankfully, our Lord understands every cell in our bodies.
chris
January 24, 2025
Thank you, Patti. I do confess that I am still troubled by my loss and am fearful about a trip my husband has planned in February. We will be gone for 7 days together to Arizona. We don’t take big trips. I struggle with facing my loss in that much time alone together. Truthfully, I often keep busy to avoid being faced with it. I would greatly appreciate prayer as I know my heart will be hurting on this trip. Outside of my intimate prayer group and health professionals, this is the first I have shared this great struggle with anyone. You ladies have earned my trust with the most challenging identity/marriage struggle of my heart. Thank you for your example to me.
Ernema T Boettner
January 24, 2025
Chris, sharing this with you as a prayer: https://youtu.be/F3vyWg9IOcM?si=4TUU4f8qhrOTsMZY
Cover me, Lord, with your presence “Cover me Lord with your presence, Cover me Lord with your righteousness, Cover me Lord with your holiness, Lord Jesus, cover me. I need your protection from danger and harm Shelter me safe in your strong, loving arm Help me to see there’s no cause for alarm Lord Jesus, cover me. Under your shadow, I won’t be afraid Cover me Lord ’till the storm blows away And then in the heat of a beautiful day Lord Jesus cover me.”
Chris
January 25, 2025
Thank you for that beautiful song/prayer, Bing. I do so need His presence.
Bev Jensen
January 23, 2025
Chris you said “more importantly God’s word and the gift of prayer have been my constant companions”. That speaks to your clinging to Jesus through an incredibly difficult situation. I too pray for you and trust our sweet Savior’s hand on your life.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Father, please be Immanuel to Chris on this trip, and help her to be aware or ways You are loving her, being present with her, and Your beloved daughter. Give her the peace that passes understanding.
In Jesus Name I pray
cheryl ann
January 24, 2025
I join with everyone in agreement. Dear Lord, Give Chris a peaceful heart and mind. May she sense your presence in a very real way, knowing that you cleave to her always. Guard her against any thoughts of fear and self doubt, build a hedge around her and fill her with your joy. As she leans into you Father, may your Holy Spirit hold her close, in Jesus name I pray. amen
Chris
January 24, 2025
Thank you all, again. Praying too for my husband. We are both hurting. Lord, help us remember your pain on the cross. What we face is nothing in comparison.
Laura - dancer
January 23, 2025
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18 A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9?
She tells them she has nothing to offer them and for them to return to their people. She asks the Lord to bless them with new marriages.
B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!)
Paige says that Naomi is a half hearted believer. She is trudging back the Bethlehem with no hope. She has an opportunity to evangelize here with Ruth and instead she is sending her away. She asks the Lord to bless her though. Wishy-washy. I guess I see her as a person who is a believer but has had such disappointment and sadness in her life that she is hanging on by a thread. I have been there. I don’t think she can handle someone else’s troubles and her own at that moment. She doesn’t want her “bad karma” to rub off on Ruth. For some reason, she feels, that God is not with her right then. She hasn’t totally given up though because she is heading to her homeland where she will have to face Him.
C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back?
Three times.
D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15?
She tells her to go back to “her gods.” She must think there is no reason to come with her to her land and God. She is questioning God herself. Haven’t we all faltered when life has not been kind? As faithful as I am to God, there have been times when I questioned and felt low, like He didn’t care. Those are the times when I had to realize there was no other option. Usually another believer helped encourage me, or scripture spoke, or I heard a song that made me remember Him. I guess that would be the Holy Spirit, right? Did Naomi have the Holy Spirit? Jesus had not come at that point. I know the triune God existed, but did they know about Him? E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true?
She believed He was punishing her and she didn’t want that for her DIL’s.
Friday: THE GREATER RUTH
10. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. How does Naomi respond in verse 18? Paige said the phrase is literally that Naomi goes silent. What is “the silent treatment” often meant to communicate? She stopped speaking. “The silent treatment” conveys severe displeasure and is a form of manipulation. The Bible does not record if there was anymore conversation on the journey.
B. Describe the dialogue between Naomi and the women of Bethlehem. What do you see? How might this have been hurtful to Ruth? The whole city was agitated to see Naomi. She had left ten years earlier with her husband, probably healthy and well respected. Now she was alone, and hardly recognizable, “Is this Naomi?” Questions must have been running through their minds; where is Elimelech, where are her sons, what happened, who is that woman with her? They don’t ask any of these questions before Naomi stops them with her statement, Don’t call me Naomi, call me Mara! Then she proceeds to blame God for all her misfortune and tragedy. I left full and have returned empty. Naomi still is locked in her bitterness and grief, refusing to even acknowledge Ruth. It’s almost as if she is treating Ruth as a servant by not introducing her to the women. After all, Ruth had suffered, too, and should have been acknowledged as her DIL. I have found that bitterness in my own life made me self-centered and very angry. That’s what was happening to Naomi.
C. Eon Duguid: “We would rather bear the pain of continued emptiness than confess our pursuit of fulness in all the wrong places.” How might you see this in Naomi? Do you agree with this concerning Naomi? Have you done this? I answered this in the previous question, but let me add that being bitter/angry gives a false feeling of righteousness. I have a right to be angry, we rationalize to ourselves.
D. How did God respond to the grumbling Israelites? How does He respond to Naomi? How has He responded to you? In the wilderness when they grumbled about water/food, God provided them with water and manna/quails. What Naomi is ignoring is that God gave her Ruth.
11. Who really left His home to cleave to us even unto death? This was a new analogy to me, and it is SO PRECIOUS. Jesus left heaven to live each day with me, go with me anywhere, until the day I die and then forevermore in glory. Unlike Ruth and Naomi who had a physical closeness, Jesus cleaves to me by actually living IN me. I can do nothing less than cleave to Him.
12. Paige returns to her theme about the surgeon’s hands. What do you know about the hands of Christ? Tenderly Christ used his hands to heal, in righteous anger he used his hands to clear the temple, in love he used his hands to wash the disciples’ feet, in godly love and obedience he offered his hands to be nailed to the cross. His hands now bear the scars of that crucifixion.
13. Paige tells a story of her 6 1/2 hour heart surgery and her mother’s concern about her comfort. The surgeon said, “The point is not to make her comfortable but to fix her heart.” How has God brought pain into your life in order to fix your heart? I know this will be a long testimony, but I need to provide background information. After being diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia (affecting my voice), I began getting injections of botox (years before botox became popular). Sometimes the injection worked and sometimes I had to get a booster injection. Although directly given into my neck, they were not painful because of the numbing prior to them. I had this course of therapy every three months over the course of a year. I was on an emotional roller coaster; would it work this time or not, will I be able to speak normally or not? After a year, I went for my regular injection. As I lay on the table, with the surgeon and nurses around me, I wondered once again, will it work this time? This time it was painful and tears rolled down the side of my face as I lay there. It was over quickly, and I thought, if it works, it’s worth those minutes of pain. Well it did not work this time, and I cried out to the Lord in confusion, Why? It was almost like an audible voice spoke to me; “Cheryl, you have done all that you could. You have used all available medical expertise, but you can stop now.” His peace flooded my heart. I’ve shared before just how well the Lord has taken care of me and used me mightily, not in spite of my pain/limitations, but BECAUSE of them.
Cheryl Ann, what a path you have been on with your voice. I love your testimony and it is so meaningful and worth reading. What an inspiration you are to me. Thank you for so openly sharing this. I so love this: Well it did not work this time, and I cried out to the Lord in confusion, Why? It was almost like an audible voice spoke to me; “Cheryl, you have done all that you could. You have used all available medical expertise, but you can stop now.” His peace flooded my heart.I’ve shared before just how well the Lord has taken care of me and used me mightily, not in spite of my pain/limitations, but BECAUSE of them.
“I’ve shared before just how well the Lord has taken care of me and used me mightily, not in spite of my pain/limitations, but BECAUSE of them.”
Cheryl, This is a powerful testimony in and of itself.
Oh my Cheryl. Thanks so for sharing. The whole testimony is powerful, in part, because it didn’t end as you hoped, but He spoke to you and your trusted in Him, and He is using you because of your limitations. Wow!
Friday: THE GREATER RUTH
10. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. How does Naomi respond in verse 18?
—When Naomi saw that she couldn’t dissuade Ruth from going with her she just stopped talking to her.
Paige said the phrase is literally that Naomi goes silent. What is “the silent treatment” often meant to communicate?
—It often means someone feels anger and punishes them with not talking to them. It definitely conveyed she was not in agreement with Ruth’s decision.
B. Describe the dialogue between Naomi and the women of Bethlehem. What do you see? How might this have been hurtful to Ruth?
—She makes the whole discussion about herself and her own misery seeming to ignore the fact that Ruth also is a widow and shares the same plight as Naomi. Even worse for Ruth would be the fact she was an unacceptable alien from a country despised by the Hebrews. I would have thought Ruth had to feel very, very alone at this point in time.
C. Eon Duguid: “We would rather bear the pain of continued emptiness than confess our pursuit of fulness in all the wrong places.” How might you see this in Naomi? Do you agree with this concerning Naomi?
—Naomi makes no confession what so ever of the wrongness of leaving Bethlehem and going to Moab to live where she did the forbidden practice of marrying her sons to Moabite women. She seems to just blame God rather than swallow her pride of admitting her disobedience to God’s commands which if practiced would have resulted in blessing. When God withheld his blessing she became angry and bitter. And she remained stubbornly in her misery.
Have you done this?
—Yes I have. There are times I have spoken out when I should have been quiet but later justified my comments and felt defensive rather than admit I was wrong. 🥴
I’m so grateful for a merciful and forgiving Savior.
D. How did God respond to the grumbling Israelites? How does He respond to Naomi? How has He responded to you?
—In each case God remains constant in his mercy and readiness to forgive. Disobedient actions always reap misery by nature of excluding God and his will but as Paige noted God is a committed Redeemer. I am so grateful for that truth. He has never not been available when I call to him out of my need.
11. Who really left His home to cleave to us even unto death?
—Jesus. He came to earth and became and embraced flesh like ours. Becoming flesh made him truly one with us so that in dying in our place to redeem our flesh we can become one with Him. The mystery of it all is beautiful and deep.
12. Paige returns to her theme about the surgeon’s hands. What do you know about the hands of Christ?
—They are nail scarred hands. Hands that understand pain because they were pierced by the spikes that held Him on the Cross. So he understands any pain that I have in life.
Jesus was always physically touching people as he ministered to and healed the crowds. Even the most untouchable people like the leper.
Another aspect about the hands of Jesus is from John 10.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me,is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.””
John 10:27-30 ESV
These verses bring great security “eternal security” to me personally as being one of His sheep. And knowing I am held solidly in His hand.
13. Paige tells a story of her 6 1/2 hour heart surgery and her mother’s concern about her comfort. The surgeon said, “The point is not to make her comfortable but to fix her heart.”
How has God brought pain into your life in order to fix your heart?
—Really at my age the occasions in my life are many where pain both physical and emotional have caused my heart to seek Him. Whatever the conditions of my heart when I fall at his feet and cry out to Him I have found comfort, peace and healing in my soul. He always remains faithful to me.
Saturday:
14. What is your takeaway and why? RUTH CHAPTER 1 IS AN INVITATION TO SAY, SHOW ME YOUR HANDS. May I continue to watch for the Father’s hands in the great losses of this life. Praise God, for his great redemption in my life. Help me to see his scarred hands in my moments of great darkness, that I may know he is working on me with His loving hands and his unwavering faithfulness.
Takeaway for this week.
My take away is all the comments/testimonies of our group this week. As we have interacted with the scripture and each other, I have been blessed and greatly encouraged. This community is truly an example of unity in the Body of Christ, May the Lord be glorified as we share, laugh, cry, grow, and love each other through His grace.
Read Ruth 1:16-17 A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say?
“Where you go I will also go.” She is NOT going to leave Naomi!
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer.
I think she is cleaving to God and Naomi is the one person she can rely on to be her guide. If she gives up Naomi, she gives up God.
“I think she is cleaving to God and Naomi is the one person she can rely on to be her guide. If she gives up Naomi, she gives up God.”
—Laura, That is a very interesting thought. 🤔
—As I look back over my notes from Paige’s teaching these comments stood out to me.
“Ruth is not an extraordinary story but a beautiful tapestry woven into the lives of ordinary people. It is about personal sovereignty. We have a God who is hands on. We need to recognize God’s hands are always at work according to his heart”.
—I think I’m often slow to recognize the heart of God behind his hands at work in my life and the lives of those close to me. His heart is pure and true and full of perfect love. Jesus is the epitome of that in the whole of his life on earth in the flesh. The perfect heart that went to the Cross for me.
10. Read Ruth 1:16-17 A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say?
Ruth tells Naomi that she does not want Naomi to beg her to stay behind, but she wants to be with Naomi, unto death, to live with her people and worship her God. She has a sense about the true God; I wonder if she realizes that the life of idol worship is not a good way of life. Does Naomi really care for her daughters in law so much that she thinks they would be better off living in an ungodly country, or is it because without a husband it would be hard to survive. Sorry for the rabbit trail… B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer.
Ruth is cleaving to Naomi and her God. Ruth sees that Naomi, though bitter and bereft, seems to be trusting her God over staying in Moab. It makes me wonder what Ruth’s experience was with the idols of Moab. Ruth and Naomi must have had a good relationship that Ruth is so loyal; and it seems that Ruth is perceptive and desirous of knowing the God of Naomi’s people. I feel that Ruth is cleaving to the God of Israel. C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see?
Christ is our husband and He is God incarnate. He will care for us no matter what. He is trustworthy and worth following, even when you don’t know where He is leading you. Ruth is cleaving to God. I want to be like that ~ cleaving to Jesus, and following Him because I don’t know where He is leading, but I know He is good. D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see?
Though their backgrounds are much different from one another, their hearts desired to know the true God. They both wanted to leave the lands of idol worship, in order to worship the true God and entrust their lives to Him. And the irony of Rehab being the mother of Boaz, who then married Ruth. E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why?
It was a fragile situation for a woman in that time to be without a husband and going to a foreign land. A woman was very dependent on marriage and a husband for her future. I always love the way we can look back at the scriptures and see how God wove these relationships, and drew both of these women, from different ungodly backgrounds, to the one true God.
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why?
Orpah may have been thinking of her immediate future and survival. Ruth was thinking of being supportive to Naomi. She seemed to have a desire to know the One true God.
I love this Patti:
Christ is our husband and He is God incarnate. He will care for us no matter what. He is trustworthy and worth following, even when you don’t know where He is leading you. Ruth is cleaving to God. I want to be like that ~ cleaving to Jesus, and following Him because I don’t know where He is leading, but I know He is good.
So often, we don’t know and the Israelites did not know, but he is trustworthy 🩷
“I don’t know where He is leading, but I know He is good.” and so we follow. Stepping out in faith sometimes is a little scary, but it can be exciting, too. Thank you Lord for being faithful to us, even when we may falter in our steps. You are always there to pick us up and give grace and strength to keep going.
I agree Patti:
Orpah may have been thinking of her immediate future and survival. Ruth was thinking of being supportive to Naomi. She seemed to have a desire to know the One true God.
10C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel our hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see?
Then, it becomes me speaking to Jesus. I won’t live without Him. D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see?
Rahab used the spies as a conduit to God as Ruth uses Naomi as one. She does exactly what the spies tell her to do, to be able to be with God.
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why?
Who would leave their family and go with ac complete “stranger” to a strange land??
It struck me that the Bible did not tell many details of what transpired during the 10 years that Naomi and her family were in Moab. I wondered how much Ruth and Orpah were privy to conversations about God in their household. But there were God stirrings in Ruth’s heart that compelled her to decide to go with Naomi. Just as God has done in my heart many years ago. He came for me and I am glad to have followed Him.
I realized, as Paige closed her lecture in perfect Kelleresque fashion, that this side trip fits perfectly in the middle of John 17, the chapter where Jesus is telling us how to love well, how to love as He has loved. As Paige says, Jesus is the Greater Ruth. Ruth left her family and friends in Moab and clung to Naomi, promising to stay with her to death, and transformed Naomi’s life. If you’ve ever had to say goodbye like that, you know how hard it is. Yet not nearly as hard as the goodbye Jesus made with His Father, knowing what lay before Him. But He came, loving us, cleaving to us, and dying a terrible death for us. Behold what manner of love!
174 comments
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week?
I was truly so blessed by
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week?
I was truly so blessed by the wonderful discussion on our blog! What an amazing group of godly women! I also was blessed by a lesson on The Holy Spirit by our pastor at church, as well a Tim Keller sermon on Preaching to the Heart. And Paige’s lesson on Naomi! I was convicted! I felt a healing in my heart from these four lessons. Thanking God for His love for us.
You are a sponge, Patti — it’s wonderful how hungry You are for His Word.
I’m so glad the Lord is ministering healing to your broken heart, dear Patti. He is also healing mine with His love and the love of His daughters here. I’m thankful you have a church to go to at your new place, and that you can be close to loving family. I look forward to seeing how He will use you and continue to minister to you. His ways are perfect.
SUNDAY:
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week?
—I didn’t finish answering all the questions last week But it seemed I ended up having given a lot of personal testimony in what I did answer. It was pretty reflective on my part but I think it was good for me to consider some of the ways God has graciously worked in my life in spite of me and his faithfulness to me.
Like Patti I was blessed by the sweet interaction with my sisters here.
I do want you to encourage those of you who haven’t listened to Paige to do so if all possible. The teaching really put the book of Ruth in a clearer light for me but I was most impressed with the last part of Paiges teaching. There was beautiful application for our lives in regard to what she shared about Jesus and our salvation and the surety of it. It was deeply encouraging for me in regard to the wayward Christian and we all have some in our lives. Naomi couldn’t escape God no matter how hard she tried.
Bev — thanks so much for the encouragement with Paige!
Bev, I, too didn’t post my answers to all of the questions last week, but I love to read what others answered and I especially love the encouragement that we receive from one another.
I had already planned on listening to Paige this week and I’m really glad to see it become a part of this study.
I agree wholeheartedly with you, Bev, about the fellowship on this blog as well as the blessing of the Ruth study by Paige. The relentless pursuing heart of God for Naomi and those we love, including ourselves. I never saw that application regarding Naomi before yesterday, and I was deeply moved.
Bev, I love your post! Amen to all of you! Paige’s lecture is excellent. It spoke deeply to me. I could see myself reacting somewhat like Naomi! Yikes! How I have been repenting to the Lord for my lack of trust in Him! Oh how iron sharpens iron.
Love this Bev: The teaching really put the book of Ruth in a clearer light for me but I was most impressed with the last part of Paige’s teaching. There was beautiful application for our lives in regard to what she shared about Jesus and our salvation and the surety of it. It was deeply encouraging for me in regard to the wayward Christian and we all have some in our lives. Naomi couldn’t escape God no matter how hard she tried.
It gives me joy to see how Paige is ministering.
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week? I had a co-worker from my previous place of employment that I had a falling out with. I had considered her my best friend, but she seriously betrayed me. After a while, we patched things up. I felt as though I truly forgave her, but we had limited contact mostly through social media since we no longer worked on the same shift and eventually not even at the same place, so it was never put to the test.
She hired into my department at my current place of employment this week and it has been a positive experience. I think the Lord is showing me that there can be true forgiveness and reconciliation.
Dawn, what a sweet blessing from God. To be able to rekindle a relationship lost. He is amazing.
Oh, Dawn, that is such a sweet blessing from God! A second opportunity to taste and see the goodness of the Lord in our relationships with others.
I love this testimony, Dawn, and it also gives me encouragement in my own broken relationships. He is faithful.
What a lovely God sighting, Dawn. I pray for restoration in your relationship with your friend. God is always working, even when we do not see it.
Wow, Dawn — that is huge. Father, may Your power be evident!!!!
I love this story!
Oh Dawn I add my awe of how God is working in your life.
I just hopped in here for a minute to say hi to you all, I miss you, and hope to be back for real next month after I leave my job! This was a good reminder Dee “Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in.” I thank Him that I know as unsettling as my circumstances are, He has me in His hands!
So good to see you Lizzy.
So true, Lizzy! And I am glad you will soon be back with us! Praying for you and Jon as you wrap up things with your job.
So good to hear from you, Lizzy, as you are truly missed! I understand about jobs and parenting which put severe restrictions on our time!
Oh Lizzy — so good to see you and hear you are able to leave your job. I hope that is a good thing!
Can’t wait for your return!!
Dear Lizzy,
It is so good to see your post! Praying for you and Jon, that your transition will be easy and that you will sense the Lord’s guidance and peace for each day. He truly has you in His hands. xoxo
Lizzy, We have missed your wonderful input. Will look forward to hearing more from you.
SUNDAY:
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week? – I’ve been thinking about this question for a while now and I would say it was a blessing and conviction. My older son, Kyle, has had a life of struggles at times. He will be 35 at the end of February and has always been very to himself and independent and not one to call very often. I had to reach out to him to check on his girlfriend’s mom’s health and he started telling me that it may be over. We texted back and forth for a while, and I tried to encourage him to not give up and to open up his heart again. The blessing was him opening up to me, it made this momma’s heart happy. The conviction comes when I think about the struggles he’s had with his now deceased father, his son who has emotional struggles and having a relationship fall apart again and I’m not there to help. But I have to remember that years ago when he was a young teenager and going down the wrong road, I gave him to the Lord to take care of because I couldn’t get Kyle to see I was trying to help him see the destructive path he was on. I have to trust that the Lord still has him and will continue to protect Kyle as he has for so many years. But I’m glad he feels he can open up to me after the rough rebellious years we struggled as mom and son. Thank you, Lord, for keeping him safe all these years. I know that hedge of protection only you can give will still be around him. You are a good, good Father.
Oh, Julie! what a sweet blessing from God. Our relationships with our children are so important to us. But as you have said here: “But I have to remember that years ago when he was a young teenager and going down the wrong road, I gave him to the Lord to take care of because I couldn’t get Kyle to see I was trying to help him see the destructive path he was on. I have to trust that the Lord still has him and will continue to protect Kyle as he has for so many years. But I’m glad he feels he can open up to me after the rough rebellious years we struggled as mom and son. Thank you, Lord, for keeping him safe all these years. I know that hedge of protection only you can give will still be around him. You are a good, good Father” Our children are in God’s hands.
Your renewed relationship with your son made me cry. Again, it’s the never stopping, relentless pursuit of God to those who are wayward. An encouragement, for sure, to keep praying to the One who can truly heal and change us.
Amen, Julie to Bing and Miriam.
Oh, Julie! Amen to the others! Praising God for His care for Kyle and for the breakthrough in your relationship with one another. God is hands on!!
Julie, Thank you for sharing your story. Praying God will continue to bless your relationship with your son and bring healing to his own personal life.
Oh Julie, I so understand your post. It is so hard to let our babies fly on their own. I too, had to give my 34 yrs old son to God back as a teen. He is well now and I am so happy that he wants to come home now and misses his family. It has been a very long journey for him. I do believe God has kept him safe and will continue to do so. I will pray for Kyle.
Laura, it is very hard, and so glad that your son is on the way back home. We can continue to pray for them to feel the presence of God in their lives.
Yes!
SUNDAY:
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week?
Last week’s study on “The Mark of a Christian” was uplifting and convicting. I came before the Lord and asked Him to forgive me of my past unforgiveness toward a brother or sister in Christ. I may have given it lip service or in my head, but my heart was not fully engaged in forgiveness.
I felt His reassurance of His love for me. He gave me a special sense of awareness that the knot I have often felt in my stomach when people come to mind has been taken away. There is also a sense of clarity as to His purposes for the situations that have transpired in the past. We are all at different stages in our Christian walk and I want to be more forbearing and loving in my relationships with the body of Christ.
Dee, I appreciate that we are taking this short side trip with Paige. As always, the Lord is using her in my life to see Jesus more clearly, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more nearly. Day by day.
Dear Bing, you are always such a sweet blessing. I appreciate your story of the need for forgiveness for others, and your observation that it often takes time to look back later and have clarity as to why God brought you through that particular trial. I can testify to the same. Though we do not know in full, I am just amazed at how much He has taught me through the times when I actually felt He was being cruel to me to break certain relationships which had previously given me much joy and security. How He pursues the soul He loves and often cuts and wounds in order that He might heal deep faults we could not see before. At least this is my testimony of His ways with me.
Missy, your words here are so spot on! As much as I do not want to acknowledge it, relational idolatry was very present in some of my past hurts due to the idol of approval and comfort: “Though we do not know in full, I am just amazed at how much He has taught me through the times when I actually felt He was being cruel to me to break certain relationships which had previously given me much joy and security.” I am comforted by the fact that God knows me fully well and He sees the ” sin cancers” in my life that needs the Surgeon’s hands.
Love this precious dialog between you dear sisters. I love this and Amen to this, dear Bing: I am comforted by the fact that God knows me fully well and He sees the ” sin cancers” in my life that needs the Surgeon’s hands. So true!!!
How has the Lord blessed or convicted you this past week?
I was so very blessed this morning as I was unable to attend church and instead watched the livestream of Alistair Begg’s Parkside Church. Incidentally, he has been preaching through John 17 expositionally for many months now. Today, he pointed out something of which I had never considered before in verse 24 where Jesus expresses His desire that His children be with Him where He is. I thought of how much I long to have the fellowship of my children in close physical proximity. I feel happy surrounded by my children. But to think that Jesus actually longs for me and all of His other children to be with Him and seems to have such anticipation of the moment we all are around Him in Heaven one day, is almost too much for my poor throbbing heart to take in. He wants ME with HIM??? I have believed that He loved me and gave Himself for me, but to go further than that and believe that He actually longs to have me with Him physically??!!! My heart jumps for sheer joy at the thought. Alistair brought out how the thief on the cross, in simple faith in his dying moments, was promised, “Today, you will be with Me!” I would actually like to emblazon those words on a plaque to hang on the wall of my bedroom so that when I awaken each morning, I would see the words, “I desire that you would be with Me!” What anticipation of going to actually see and live with my Bridegroom forever! It’s just too wonderful for me!
My heart also skipped a beat when I saw that Dee had decided to do the study on Ruth with Paige. I finished listening to her exposition on the first chapter yesterday and felt it was her very best study (I think I say that often, but each one gets even better)! How precious are the truths she emphasized to the heart of the believer. Thank you, Dee, for introducing us to Paige several years ago, and for encouraging us to participate in her Bible studies periodically. Her delivery used to grate on my nerves a bit, but I cannot, for the life of me, understand why now as I look back on it. Paige is so real, and even in her sometimes pounding deliveries, she often has a break in her voice as she draws each lesson to a close as the truths about Jesus hit so closely to her own heart. How thankful I am for Dee and Paige and all my blog sisters here!
Ugh, missy! I don’t know why my response to Julie doubled up! Technology-harumph!
Thank you for mentioning Alistair Begg here, Missy. We have started a 30-minute children’s teaching time after early services on the first and 3rd Sunday of the month. And we are using his children’s book, “C is for Christian”. It is a very good book! Thank you for sharing his message on John 17! Wow-Jesus longs for me, for us! Beautiful words!
Oh Miriam — your whole post is wonderful. I love Alistair and his teaching that God wants His children near Him.
Missy, This is such a wonderful mind picture and an encouraging post. How I long for the day when we see Jesus face to face. I so agree that Paige is so real and that Jesus is so real in her life. I agree, this short study is So excellent!!
I love the idea of Jesus gathering His children around Him. I would love that for myself before I die. How sweet it would be for sure!
Alistair Begg is a great speaker. Makes things so clear.
Oh, Julie! what a sweet blessing from God. Our relationships with our children are so important to us. But as you have said here: “But I have to remember that years ago when he was a young teenager and going down the wrong road, I gave him to the Lord to take care of because I couldn’t get Kyle to see I was trying to help him see the destructive path he was on. I have to trust that the Lord still has him and will continue to protect Kyle as he has for so many years. But I’m glad he feels he can open up to me after the rough rebellious years we struggled as mom and son. Thank you, Lord, for keeping him safe all these years. I know that hedge of protection only you can give will still be around him. You are a good, good Father” Our children are in God’s hands.
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story? Micah had stolen from his mother but returned the money and she took the money and had an idol made and out in Micah’s house. He made a Levite from Benjamin his priest and had then Levite live with him. Starting in 17 we just find darkness. There is no longer a cycle of repentance and sin.
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25) A Levite and the woman while traveling stayed with a stranger. Townsmen came and wanted sex with the Levite and he pushed the woman out to be raped and abused. She went back to the threshold of house and next morning he was awful to her plight, he strapped her on his donkey and when he got home he cut her into 12 pieces and sent them to all Israel. People did what was right in their own eyes. They had no reverence for God and His laws.
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO! In the days when the judges ruled Oh no. I can’t take it. But this fairy tale like story is not extraordinary at all. Book of Ruth tells us that God is personally, intimately hands on in our lives Study of Ruth is so that I can recognize the hands of God in my life. His hands are always at work, according to His heart
Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses? Naomi, her husband and 2 sons go to live for a while on Moab because of famine in Bethlehem. Her husband dies. Her 2 sons marry Moabite women and then 2 sons die.
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long? About ten years
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts? Hard decision for parents who want their kids excited about Jesus. So it’s finding a strong Biblically based church that have children and youth programs follow through in biblical teaching that your children will look forward to attending. Thank God, His word never fails.
COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now? It’s an instrument of healing in God’s hand instrument of destruction in evil hands. A child of God needs to trust the hard hurtful process and that God is good and sovereign Hardship otherwise can turn to bitterness, hatred and moving farther from God. I need to surrender and trust His plan. Give thanks in all circumstances and come under His umbrella of protection and goodness. Work on trusting and believing I am His beloved child.
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6? Naomi received word that the Lord was visiting His people and there was food in Bethlehem.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son? The prodigal son was starving, realized he was better off at his father’s and he humbly returned willing to be his father’s servant .
Good thoughtful answers, Judy.
Amen to Dee, Judy!
. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week? My particular blessing came from the prayer request of two of my son’s. I lead a prayer group once a month and not having spoken with them at length recently, I asked for any requests they may have. Their great love for the Lord was evident. What greater blessing in this life, than to know your children love and follow the Lord.
MONDAY: The Bethlehem Trilogy
Whether or not you watch Paige, you can do these questions. If you watch, share anything you like as it pertains to what she said concerning these questions.
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? Wanted blessings from God without submitting to God. How does Bethlehem enter into this story?A Levite from Bethlehem sojourned there.
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? Gang raped/slaughtered. How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25) Everyone does right in his own eyes.
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO! In the days when the judges ruled-oh no, not more corrupt Israelites doing what’s right in their own eyes. This book shows us God is hands on.
What a sweet and wonderful blessing from your sons, Chris! Thank you for sharing! Amen that this book shows us God is hands on!
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story?
Micah was dishonest (he stole his mother’s money) and he worshipped idols. Micah returned the money to his mother and she asked God to bless him. (She was asking for a blessing from God for an idol maker…confusion) The Levite, who came to stay with Micah, was offered a position of a priest. He was not qualified to be a priest. The Levite was from Bethlehem.
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25)
The concubine was abused and died. “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO
The events of Judges were so brutal that it would be hard to read and take on more of that. Too much darkness. I noticed that even Paige’s prayer was filled with her heart breaking for all that is happening in the world and in our own country. I feel the same way ~ our world sounds a bit like Judges right now. It will be a good time to hear about the wonderful relationship in Ruth.
1. Was there a way that you were particularly blessed or even convicted (which is a blessing) by the Lord last week?
I have to say that God is helping me appreciate my new age. I am just not as young as I used to be and sometimes that means I can’t do everything I have always done. It is quite sobering. However, I don’t want to mess myself up for my future either. I’m trying to learn to be rational! Maybe rollerskating at 61 wasn’t the best idea 🤷🏻♀️.
Also, I bought a bible for my DIL and she loved it. My SON asked to take his 3rd grade, embossed Bible home with him as he returned to the Netherlands! I couldn’t believe it. Thank You Lord ♥️
Wow! Laura, what wonderful answers to prayer!! 💕Thank you Lord! You crack me up with your comment on rollerskating I’m sure it was a good idea as long as you didn’t hurt yourself or fall!😍🌟
Love these answers, Laura!
Oh, wow, Laura! Good news about your DIL and your son. Glimpses of hope, indeed, for you and for us who are also waiting!
Laura, we are the exact same age, only days apart in birth! You would never catch me dead trying to roller skate at this age so you are light years younger than in me in fitness for sure!
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story?
Micah steals money from his mother. She puts a curse on the soul who did it, not knowing it’s him. When he admits he is the one, she says “at least you told the truth” and dedicates the silver to the Lord. She has an image cast of him and builds an idol out of some of the silver to honor him. He takes them and places them in his house as an idol and one son becomes his personal “priest.”
As time moves on, Micah has a Levite from Bethlehem visit. He is looking for a place to live. He tells him he can live with him and he will feed and take care of him. He says the Levite can be a father (?) and and priest for him. He becomes like a son to Micah. Micah believes God will be happy because he has an actual Levite in his home representing God.
MONDAY: The Bethlehem Trilogy
Whether or not you watch Paige, you can do these questions. If you watch, share anything you like regarding what she said concerning these questions.
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story?
Darkness reigned! Micah was from Ephraim or Bethlehem (was I reading it correctly from a blog that Bethlehem is an inheritance to the Ephratites so Ephraim and Bethlehem are the same?) He had a shrine, made an ephod and some idols, and installed one of his sons as a priest and a Levite as a priest in his household. Israel had no king, and everyone did as he saw fit. Micah is “king” in his household.
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25)
The Levite took a concubine who was later gang raped and abused and later died and was cut into 12 pieces and sent out to the 12 tribes. Everyone did as they saw fit. everyone was their own “king” making decisions that cater to their desires and self-absorption.
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO!
“In the days when the judges ruled…”
We would think that something like what happened to Micah and the concubine will happen again in the story of Ruth! Perhaps a third story of darkness.
I love what she said next:
But, instead, there was a gleam of dawn. The book of Ruth is a beautiful tapestry woven into the ordinary lives of very ordinary people in very ordinary events by the seeming hidden hands of God. She used the song “He’s got the whole world in His hands” to a personalized second verse, “He’s got you and me, brother…). Ruth is a story of God’s personal sovereignty, and providence in people’s lives; we have a God who is hands-on. Ruth is a study of “The Hands of God” and for us to recognize His hands in our lives.
And I thought, yes, there is this seemingly sad trilogy of Bethlehem in the OT, but oh, Jesus, is the DAWN in the NT. For He was born in Bethlehem! He brought light into the city of darkness and the world.
I love how you bring out the dawn in the NT-Jesus born in Bethlehem, bringing light to a city of darkness and the world!
Bing — learned something from you. I think you are right that Bethlehem and Ephrata are the same. At least several sources say so. You have more information than I found though. Interesting! I rather love that since I live in a village named Ephraim. I have a painting of it (my village) and the name of it is “Oh Little Town.” So the artist must have known!
Love all of this Bing! Love that you live in Ephraim, Dee! 🙂
I thank God for the realization that no trilogy of darkness (in Bethlehem) had the final say. Jesus shows up to bring light in that dark, dark world. This makes me bow down in worship to the King of Kings and be hopeful when darkness threatens to envelop me. Jesus reigns! I love the promises in Revelation that we are studying now with BSF. Our enemy has already been defeated and we can walk in victory that is ours in Christ.
Amen, Bing! “Yet in thy dark streets shineth, O little town of Bethlehem, the Light of the World!”
MONDAY: The Bethlehem Trilogy
I have not listened to Paige yet.
Whether or not you watch Paige, you can do these questions. If you watch, share anything you like as it pertains to what she said concerning these questions.
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story?
Wow, What a mish mash of religion is happening here. Micah steals from his mother, and because of her continual lament and cursing about the money, he returns it with a confession (buy no remorse). She in turn asks the Lord to bless Micah, for she had dedicated that money to the Lord for the purpose of making an idol for Micah. So she gives it back to him and Micah makes the idol, which he places in his own private house of worship. Micah is a dishonest, scheming man, BUT he is religious, in a superstitious way.
Then we see a traveling Levite from Bethlehem stop at Micah’s home. Micah hires the Levite to be his own pruvate priest, providing the Levite with priestly accessories and a yearly salary. Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest.
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25)
Another Levite, he takes a concubine from Bethlehem. As their story progresses the are spending the night in Gibeah, a strange town. A stranger persuades the Levite to spend the night in his home. Just as in Sodom, the men of the city come demanding that the Levite be given to them. The concubine is given to them instead, and she is sexually abused all night. When they finish with her she returns to the house where the Levite is staying. She dies with her hands lying upon the threshold. When the Levite opens the door in the morning, he sees her. He takes her body home and divides it into twelve pieces which he sends throughout the tribes of Israel. This leads to a war and the tribe of Benjamin is almost completely annihilated.
Everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes. Blatant disregard for the laws God had given them,and the level of morality was very low.
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO!
Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled,
As I said, I have listened to the very beginning of Paige’s lesson. In fact I stopped right here to read Judges 17-21 before listening any further. If did not already know the book of Ruth, I would probably thought, OH NO! The deceit, murder, war, slaughter, abduction, etc. of those chapters were horrendous: this would lead me to think Ruth would be another example of wanton disregard for God.
See Cheryl’s great paraphrase of the Micah story. 🙂
Cheryl! Love your Micah story!
Cheryl, I like your phrase, “mish-mash”.
An extra comment:
At first, I was struck by how ludicrous I thought the happenings were from Judges Chapters 17-21. I thought “those” Israelites were crazy and no wonder God came with His promised judgment. He will not look the other way when His people do not repent of their sins. Then it dawned on me, that our world right now is no different than the nation of Israel. Many live as they deem fit. And I am guilty of this when I do it my way and do not heed God’s conditions for a righteous life that pleases Him. He is true to His words of blessings and curses. I am thankful for the Book of Ruth and its glimmer of dawn.
So true of the world and of me-though we want to do right, we often are selfish and forget all God has done for us.
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18
A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9? Go back to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness and find rest in the home of another husband
B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!) per Paige she was sending them away from God not towards Him. She wanted to be alone in her grief and didn’t want the distraction of fellowship and mentoring. Her attitude towards God was still wrong.
C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back? 4
D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15? Being sent to the gods of child sacrifice is cruel and shows Naomi’s bitterness and despair.
E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true? She blamed and resented Him, had no relationship with Him, and didn’t expect things to improve. She forgot that she and her husband had had turned away from Him. She had wrongly concluded God was against her and was out to destroy her.
F. Paige said that saying “It is what it is” is Nihilism. Thoughts? It is what is is. It’s not Biblical and doesn’t look at what God is doing or what God has done. It takes Him out of my present and future. A place where I do not want to be.10. Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say? That she will go with Naomi so don’t urge her to turn back, her people and God would be Ruth’s people and God. Where Naomi would die she would die.
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer. How solemn Ruth’s commitment was to Naomi. Ruth was clinging to what little she knew of God. Something stirred within Ruth that made her realize she needed to go with her. I don’t know if it was what she’d witnessed or been told by her husband or Naomi, but she knew that she must go with her. Ruth gives everything she has to everything she knows of God. Her choice was Moab and everything minus God or Bethlehem and nothing but God and she chose God.
C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see? That I want my heart to be knitted to His heart so that I’m always attached to Him for His life giving supply.
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see? Rahab had heard about God as had Ruth. Whatever they had heard was enough to stake claim to God not towards their own people’s gods.
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why? Her choice speared to be perpetual poverty, no social, spiritual or racial advantage. She would be an outcast with embittered Naomi who said God had decimated her life. No emotional advantage as Naomi was hardly a fun companion.
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why? God. He came and got Ruth. Somehow Ruth knew to respond to Him. I liked that Paige said there is nothing that makes sense about being a Christian. It’s a miracle! I’m one of those believers and it’s a miracle. He comes and gets us. It’s always a miracle, it’s always His grace and always His love.
Such thoughtful answers, Judy.
And yes, we are miracles!
Love all your answers, Judy. Especially love your answer to F. It’s a miracle! I’m one of those believers and it’s a miracle.He comes and gets us. It’s always a miracle, it’s always His grace and always His love. AMEN!
10. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. How does Naomi respond in verse 18? Paige said the phrase is literally that Naomi goes silent. What is “the silent treatment” often meant to communicate?
B. Describe the dialogue between Naomi and the women of Bethlehem. What do you see? How might this have been hurtful to Ruth?
C. Eon Duguid: “We would rather bear the pain of continued emptiness than confess our pursuit of fulness in all the wrong places.” How might you see this in Naomi? Do you agree with this concerning Naomi? Have you done this?
D. How did God respond to the grumbling Israelites? How does He respond to Naomi? How has He responded to you?
11. Who really left His home to cleave to us even unto death?
12. Paige returns to her theme about the surgeon’s hands. What do you know about the hands of Christ?
13. Paige tells a story of her 6 1/2 hour heart surgery and her mother’s concern about her comfort. The surgeon said, “The point is not to make her comfortable but to fix her heart.” How has God brought pain into your life in order to fix your heart?
MONDAY: The Bethlehem Trilogy
Whether or not you watch Paige, you can do these questions. If you watch, share anything you like as it pertains to what she said concerning these questions.
1. Scholars, Paige says, talk about the Bethlehem Trilogy. Parts 1 and 2 are below.
A. What happened in Judges 17 and what do you discern about the character of Micah? How does Bethlehem enter into this story? – Micah built idols and kept them in his shrine. He stole eleven hundred shekels from his mother who had put a curse on them. But he gave them back to her. Micah thought more about status, he was a thief, and he built idols. A Levite from Bethlehem came and was staying as a foreigner in Ephraim. There was no king in Israel and everyone did as they pleased.
B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25) – She was abused, assaulted and mutilated. These men had no care of the life of others They took things into their own hands, had no repentance and never even sought out the Lord.
C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO! – “In the days when the judges ruled.” I think, oh gee, here we go again. No regrets of sin will be shown, there will be no seeking the Lord for help. People will do whatever they want to do. Their rebellion against God will increase.
1B. What happened to the concubine from Bethlehem in this story? How does this exemplify the final verse of Judges? (Judges 21:25)
She was gang raped and left for dead. Her “husband?” (I thought a concubine was a soft form of a prostitute?) took her home, cut up her body into 12 pieces and sent it to the twelve tribes. That’s just awful…..the people did whatever they wanted because they could. There were no judges.
1C. What is the first phrase in the book of Ruth? Why do you think Paige says we are apt to think OH NO!
Ruth is a story that begins with the “…judges ruling in Israel…” The judges weren’t necessarily the best at keeping control of the people. It ends with total disarray. This may not end well!
TUESDAY: The Surgeon’s Hands
REASONS FOR INTERVENTION
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? The famine is allowed because of the disobedience. Also, barrenness and oppression are other curses. Why do you think the Lord allows this? Keeping his promises of judgement.
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Elimelek chose to go to Moab, knowing it was a pagan land, without consulting God. His sons end up marrying there. Thoughts? Though practical, it was a moving away spiritually.
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different? The Dead Sea, mountains, but the curses of Israel have brought the famine.
COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses? Her husband died in Moab, her sons married Moabite women, her sons died.
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long? 10 years. They did not seek the Lord in this decision. They left the land of God’s promise/provision. Elimelek means “My God is King”, but there is no king as everyone is doing what’s right in their own eyes and Elimelek does this too. Moab was born out of Lot’s incestuous relationship of his daughter. They stay even after Elimelek dies and make it their home, despite knowing they should not marry Moabites. Barrenness follows for 10 years. HOW DO WE RESPOND IN DIFFICULT TIMES? Despair, disappointment, turn towards the Lord or turn away to sojourn in easier places.
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts? I can testify of the dire impact of sojourn on my family genealogy. I have a precious booklet from my grandmother’s grandmother, printed in 1885. It is a profession of faith of Grace Shaffner. Her mother wrote this, as Grace was about 10 years old at the time. Grace had a rather dramatic turn to the Lord when she experienced the death of her cousin, Charlie. It is the sweetest story and too long to relay here, but this story caused me to forever treasure Psalm 103:17-18 where we are promised the steadfast love of the Lord to our children’s children. Though Grace’s mom taught her the catechism by the age of 7 and worked diligently to pass on her faith, by my generation, my parents did not have a bible in our home, did not pray before meals, never sang a hymn or shared Jesus love for us with THIER children. My parents were brought up in the church and had THIER children baptized, but golfing on Sundays and other things took the place of family worship. Thank God for VBS, and Young Life, and the many seeds planted in my life by other Christians. God is faithful. A tragic car accident involving my entire family, turned most of us to the Lord, but my mother turned away. She has in recent years shown some signs of turning back but it’s sad to see her struggle in life spiritually with a hardened heart towards the Lord because of her trials in life.
COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now? There are many hardships over the past decade or more and I praise the Lord he has had grace on my family to keep us close to him, though we have not responded always in the best way, we have been able to return to the Lord’s ways and stay in his Word to draw closer and closer to Him and to one another.
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6? She received word that the Lord had visited his people and there was food in Bethlehem.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son? SHE GOES HOME TO BETHLEHEM FOR PHYSICAL FOOD AND SO DOES THE PRODIGAL SON, BUT SPIRITUALLY IT IS REPENTANCE.
Fascinating story of your spiritual heritage and of Grace, your grandmother’s grandmother. And yes, you are a miracle too — God has His hand on you.
Oh, Chris! Your story of your grandmother’s grandmother gave me chills! I so see God’s hand on your life! Praise Him! I thank God for your beautiful heart for our Father! I love the you have Praised Him through the valleys. Thank you for sharing this story.
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this?
The Lord desired obedience and repentance. The blessings included setting them high above all nations, prosperity, fertility, abundance in food, increasing herds, prominence and success as a nation. Blessings over their enemies. The people of all the earth will see that you honor the Lord and His is with you in all ways. He will open treasures of the heavens.
The curses of disobedience will be scarcity of food, failure of crops, disease, drought, loss of wars, loss of children, barrenness, confusion and fear, defeat before your enemies, and a sense of powerlessness against all that is happening.
The Lord desires love and obedience to His commandments, but man always thinks he has a better idea. Elimelech did not turn to God in prayer, he just acted on his own.
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts?
Elimelech took his wife, Naomi, and their two sons from Bethlehem to Moab. The sons both married Moabite women, which was against God’s commands. Elimelech and both of the sons died, leaving Naomi a widow in a foreign country with no sons. The Moabites wives, Orpah and Ruth survived. Elimelech was not following God’s commands and he brought destruction to his family. Naomi felt that God had turned against her, yet she was returning to Bethlehem.
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different?
God had kept His promise of judging Israel for disobedience. Bethlehem was a fruitful land, but under God’s judgment. Moab brought them death and barreness.
COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses?
Naomi loses her husband and her two sons.
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long?
They were in Moab ten years, when Naomi’s sons died.
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts?
Somethings don’t change. People select the temporary charms of this earth over the eternal treasures of heaven.
COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now?
A child of God looks to our Heavenly Father during hardship, where a child of the devil has no where to turn, yet may blame God when bad things happen.
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6?
Naomi made the decision to go back to Bethlehem. She did not go the Lord in prayer, and she felt that the hand of the Lord had gone out against here, when truly the Lord was leading her. She felt God’s divine judgment.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son?
It is a returning. A repentance of the Heart. I love that it goes back to the heart.
Just listening to Paige again! Like the sinful son eating pig food in the prodigal son, God (with His surgeon hand) comes running to Ruth~ stirs her heart from resignation, to go home ~ there is food in Bethlehem; a slow turning of her heart. Her blessings to her daughters in law seem a bit hollow. She sees no future for them in following her.
Patti — I have wondered if that is because she knows the faithful who remained in Bethlehem would not take a Moabite as a wife — and marriage was so important back then for the woman.
That is a great point, Dee. Thank you! I had not thought of that, but very true.
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this?
Blessings: towns, fields, children, crops, protection from attacks, anything you do, herds, offspring, prosperity, lifted above other nations.
Curses: confusion, fields, children, completely destroyed, diseases, fevers, dusty land, enemies, madness, boils, afflictions, cheating, eaten by others.
I think God allows it to deter us from having it happen. We have free choice and will.
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts?
There was a famine and a family from Bethlehem went to live in Moab. It’s weird because the word Bethlehem literally means “bread.” nothing good could have come from moving to a place where you knew you weren’t supposed to mingle…
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different?
It depends where they were located. Were they near water? A mountain? A valley? A desert? But I’m guessing God had His hand in this. The Israelites struggled with obedience and they would have known about the blessing/curse “list” in Deuteronomy. God might have been doing exactly what He said He would with famine for disobedience.
Your good answer to 4 made me research and I found out something fascinating. Bethlehem was in a fertile area but was barren, Moab in a desert area near the dead sea but was fruitful. Wow!
That is crazy!
Crazy!!!!! So, Hod 😉
God!
TUESDAY: The Surgeon’s Hands
REASONS FOR INTERVENTION
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this?
Blessings: First among all nations, people will multiply, perfect weather, crops will be bountiful, herds will grow, basically ALL of their needs and wants will be fulfilled. Surrounding nations will be afraid of Israel, and if there are any battles their enemies will fail.
Curses: Oh my, too many to recount here. The list starts in verse 16 and continues to verse 68. Horrible curses. Famine, drought, disease (details made my skin crawl), family conflict, wars, death, destruction, captivity,etc.
The laws/commands were given to establish the nation of Hebrews as chosen by God. Their prosperity would be a witness to the world of the only, true God. I think about last week with Schaeffer’s essay, God is love/holy. He does not lie, and He would not ignore rebellion. He did love them, but if Israel was rebellious, then God would allow all the afflictions/curses to happen as a consequence to guide them back.
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts?
There was famine in the land (Israel), during the time of Judges when the people rebelled against the Lord. It must have been very widespread, otherwise I think Elimilech might have traveled to another part of Israel.
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different?
Maybe lack of rain, so crops failed in Bethlehem. Drought/famine were stated consequences for rebellion.
COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses?
A move to a pagan country, her sons marry pagan women, no grandchildren, husband dies, both sons die.
The family
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long? Ten years.
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts?
Firstly, a church having a “fun” kids ministry, does not necessarily mean that it’s not a gospel-centered church. It could be both. But any decision involving a move from one assembly to another should involve a lot of prayer.
I believe that the Lord places us where He want us to worship and grow, and there should be direct leading of the Spirit to move elsewhere.
COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now?
I’ll use my life as an example. Losing the ability to talk in a normal voice, and singing was out of the question, I went thru a period of depression. How was I going to teach if I could not even read a book to children? I took my worries to the Lord in prayer, and then lived my life adapting to my limitations. I have seen the Lord open doors and provide opportunities for me to still thrive in education and music.
If I had not known the Lord, and trusted Him, I could have become a bitter, angry, depressed woman; that’s exactly what Satan wants.
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6?
Ruth heard that the LORD had ended the famine, and she wanted to go back home.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son?
The younger son finally hit bottom and realized to what depths he had sunk. It’s interesting that he practiced his words of repentance before meeting his father again. The son had no expectations other than to be forgiven and allowed to go home.
Cheryl — see my answer above to Laura — I learned something fascinating.
I agree that a fun kids ministry could also be deep, though I don’t think that is what Paige meant. In so many churches the kids ministries are nearly all fun and games, and they are big, and kids want to go there because their friends are there. But yes, we should seek the Lord. I think the teaching is key, for that is what matures the parents, who mature the kids.
Wednesday: Faint-Hearted Response of Naomi
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18
A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9? Naomi tell them to go back to their own families. She tells them there is nothing for them if they stay with her. No possibility of husband, children, no future.
B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!) Maybe Naomi loved them and did not want them to suffer her own fate. The young women certainly would have been better off economically at home with their parents. Might she have been so bitter that in returning to Bethlehem she didn’t want the responsibility of two young widows?
C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back? Four times
D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15? Naomi is praising Orpah’s decision to return to her gods, and she wants Ruth to follow that example. It shows how much compromised Naomi has become that she would say other gods are preferable for Ruth.
I hear this today in remarks such as: It doesn’t matter who you worship, as long as it’s a higher power. That’s almost what Naomi was saying.
E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true? The Lord is against me and has taken everything from me. As Dee pointed out in one of her studies, the Lord had placed Ruth right in front of Naomi, and she would not acknowledge that.
F. Paige said that saying “It is what it is” is Nihilism. Thoughts? First I had to look up that word, lol. Nihilism is defined as a rejection of religious/moral values, that life is meaningless. Saying “it is what it is” seems to me more like resignation in any situation. I don’t know that that equated with life being meaningless, but it certainly provides an excuse to ignore something. Whenever I think something is beyond me to affect, I always follow that thought with “but God…”
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses?
She was taken by her husband to Moab. He does. Her sons married Moabite women and then they both died. She was left alone with her daughters in law.
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long?
They were there for 10 years.
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts?
I suppose, in theory, she is right. I think it’s important to keep youth going to church though, because they are so vulnerable to the outside world. I think young families help churches grow.
I agree young families help churches grow. I think the focus again is the heart. We can’t attend only for entertainment, which is sometimes the case, only to leave and continue to live our lives in a worldly way. The language Naomi uses with her DIL when she is trying to dissuade them really stood out to me, because she sounds “Christian”-but in reality her words are hollow. Sometimes our actions can be as well.
5. Should say “He dies.” Autocorrected and old eyes!
Dee and sisters,
I am following along but will need to take a break from commenting. I have been having spells of vertigo and will see the doctor on Thursday. I am finding it hard to focus and has kept my commitments to a minimum and have canceled a few things. Please pray for me. Thank you!
I am so sorry. I’ve had vertigo several times, and it can be debilitating. Dear Lord, Thank you for your loving hand and presence in our lives. Please help Bing to recover from this episode of vertigo and may she receive the care she needs on Thursday. In Jesus name, amen
Praying for you Bing. 💕
Praying, Bing! I have had that on occasion and it’s terrible. Praying for quick relief.
Praying that you get some help with your vertigo, Bing . Your comments are always valuable.
Amen to prayers of all of you for Bing.
Thank you for your prayers. I could feel them lifting my spirits as I visited with my primary doctor. It sounded like my symptoms were a combination of several factors compounded by stress. I could tell that my doctor was very thoughtful in her diagnosis and conservative in her approach to my condition. The vertigo is easing up as well as the other symptoms. Praise God! He provided a friend who went with me and drove the one-hour distance. Despite my condition, I could honestly say, I had a delightful trip with her!
I have notes from listening to Paige twice now and will listen again since we have the extra time due to her absence. Praying for her as she cares for her father.
I am very much touched by the openness of everybody in sharing their present struggles. I see the hands of Jesus holding yours and mine when there seems to be no answer to our heart’s cry in sight. God’s initiative to come and “get” us still overwhelms me. I don’t deserve His love but He came for me.
I thought of this verse when I think of Ruth’s vow to cleave to Naomi’s God:
For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. Isaiah 54:5
I shared this verse with my Mom when my Dad passed away at 53. Like Ruth, my mom believed that Her Maker and Lord would care for her and He surely did! Praying for the request that I have seen here.
TUESDAY: The Surgeon’s Hands
REASONS FOR INTERVENTION
2. In the book of Judges we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this?
—There are blessings of prominence over other nations. Blessing will be in their lives wherever they reside. They will be blessed with children and productive farming and livestock. In all their livelihood and wherever they travel. They will overcome their enemies and God will establish them as a people holy to Himself. The list is kind of endless to the good He promised them if they would obey God’s commandments and not go after other gods.
And if they would not obey what God had said or be careful to do all He commanded then the opposite of the blessings he promised would happen to them and events it would cause their destruction.
—I think it is all about the issue of the heart. As Paige said in the past. “It’s about the heart Stupid!”
To seek God, have a relationship with God and to know and love God brings blessing into peoples lives. So the converse is true as well. When someone rejects God and has all selfish objectives and spurns his ways and hardens their heart toward him they end up empty and sin wreaks havoc in their lives. It is also about God’s glory. A prideful sinful life cannot glorify God because it goes totally against all that He is.
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts?
—The man (Elimelech) went to live in Moab which was a place that had been forbidden by God for Hebrews to live.
It was actually an act of disobedience on Elimelech and Naomi’s part so they set themselves up for the curses of God.
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different?
—The famine in Israel was because of their disobedience.
COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses?
—After moving to and settling in to Moab she became a widow and both of her sons died.
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long?
—About 10 years.
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts?
—Paige said we tend to go to spiritually easy places thinking we are just going to sojourn but we end up moving there.
Motives are important and it is important to seek God’s will for all decisions.
COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now?
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6?
—“the Lord had blessed his people” That speaks to God’s grace.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son?
—It was God who let Naomi hear about him blessing his people back in Judah with good crops while she was still in Moab. She was a widow whose circumstances had to be dire. Hearing didn’t change her heart but it prompted her to do something and move back. So it was with the young prodigal son. It was his hunger and misery that caused him come to his senses and realize he would be better off as a hired worker for his father than among the pigs in a far country.
is also about God’s glory. A prideful sinful life cannot glorify God because it goes totally against all that He is.
You said this perfectly, Bev. It hits a point that is clarifying when we consider lives that seem beautiful in a worldly way, yet they don’t glorify God, this is the distinction we need to keep in mind. Growing up my family did not include the Lord in our lives, but kept a high moral standard, which seemed acceptable and even admirable in society, but was lacking spiritually and in the end very empty and truly unattainable without the forgiveness of the Father.
Amen to Chris! A prideful sin cannot glorify God! Golden, Bev!
Thursday: Full-Hearted Response of Ruth
10. Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say? SHE MAKES A COMMITMENT TO GOD, TO STAND BY NAOMI AND HER GOD. SHE CHOOSES GOD ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE. THERE IS NO ADVANTAGE TO CLINGING TO NAOMI. CLINGING TO NAOMI IS ONLY A DISADVANTAGE IN WORLDLY MEANS. NAOMI CLAIMS GOD HAS AFFLICTED HER AND RUTH CHOOSES THIS GOD.
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? TO GOD, BUT IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE CONSIDERING NAOMI’S WITNESS THAT GOD HAS ABANDONED HER. Explain your answer.
C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see? THE EXACT OPPORTUNITY WAS GIVEN TO ORPAH AND RUTH. RUTH CHOSE CHRIST. ORPAH CHOSE THE WORLDLY WISE WAY. IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE TO US. ITS ALWAYS A MIRACLE WHEN SOMEONE BELIEVES.
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see?
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why?
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why? The Lord is at work and she responded to Him. Reminds me of the story of my conversion. My best friend in high school, who was maid of honor at my wedding, and invited me to Young Life, decided she just couldn’t believe all that stuff and turned to the worldly ways after high school, while I chose the narrow gate.
Interesting testimony, Chris.
I received an email that Paige needs to break from this study, as her father’s Alzheimer condition is much worse and she needs to be near.
Father God, how I Praise and Honor Your Name and Your power! I thank you for Your hands on care daily for each of us. Lord God, our Father, I pray for Paige and her family, as she travels through this heartbreaking time. Lord God Almighty, I pray that Paige and her family will sense Your Presence right now and in the coming days. You are the Good Shepherd, who loves and cares for Your flock so tenderly, as we walk through these difficult and dark valleys. I thank you for Paige and her ministry and how she has given herself to study and share Your Word in such life changing ways. We thank you and ask all of this in the Mighty Name of Jesus!
Father, I agree with this prayer for Paige and her family.
I agree with your prayer, Patti.
Also, we will do overviews of the themes in Ruth next week in lieu of Paige’s absence.
Amen and amen!
Amen. Loving prayer Patti
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18
A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9?
Naomi tells Orpah and Ruth to return to the homes of their mother’s. She assures them that the Lord will treat them kindly, as they have been so kind to her. She hopes the best for them, each in the house of her husband. Her bitterness is not directed to her daughter in laws.
B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!)
It is hard to read Naomi’s thoughts. She speaks firm, yet in a loving way to her daughters in law. It seems that she is so depressed, she cannot deal with anything and feels that she will just go back to Bethlehem and wait to die. She does not look to the Lord for help; she does not pray to Him or even ask Him why; she blames Him for her situation. She cannot see or imagine what He is doing in her life. She is in a black hole. Such a good lesson! We have a choice when we suffer; do we give in to the enemy and defeat or turn to God.
Loved that Paige referenced the Psalms! Crying out to God is acceptable and necessary at times! He will answer in His way and time.
C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back?
Three times.
D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15?
She knows that Orpah is returning to the place of idol worship. She encourages Ruth to do the same. Is this a challenge? Does she believe in the Lord God? The road to the people who do not worship the true God seems the easier life.
E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true?
The hand of God was not against Naomi. He had a plan for her future, but she was too bereft to trust and turn to Him. His plans are not what we can imagine. Ruth is giving her life to God and to Naomi. Orpah took the easier road, possibly in her own eyes, yet she missed the gift that could have been. There are so many good lessons in this book! Our God is a God of Hope and Redemption, but we need to accept the gift He offers instead of trying to plow our own path without Him. Life without God is so futile and empty.
F. Paige said that saying “It is what it is” is Nihilism. Thoughts?
It is a belief that traditional values are senseless and worthless. Whatever happens, happens. I like this definition: Nihilism is a condition in which all ultimate values lose their value. Ronald H. Nash
Our love of God and living by His values can change the world, one person at a time. What we think, say and live is something that people see on a daily basis. Living for self is a dead end, living for God is an eternal future.
Reminds me of Chris’s great example of her grandmother’s grandmother.
—
Patti, I like what you said, “Living for self is a dead end, living for God is an eternal future.” Such an encouragement to keep pressing forward.
“Our God is a God of Hope and Redemption, but we need to accept the gift He offers instead of trying to plow our own path without Him. Life without God is so futile and empty.“. Patti, Such a good statement that our God is a God of Hope and Redemption. I was reading Paul Tripp this morning and he referred to Redemption and Restoration as themes throughout the Bible. Our God is always doing something new. 💕
Yes, Patti, nihilism, that’s heard so much today by my immediate family as well. We need to be careful with our words! Eternal future should always be in the forefront of our minds, in every conversation.
Amen, Chris!
Wednesday: Faint-Hearted Response of Naomi
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18
A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9?
—She told them to go back to their childhood homes back to their own mothers. She did ask God to reward them for their kindness to her sons and to herself and that he would bless them with another marriage. But Paige felt she was pretty much just a pragmatic person in her practices of life.
B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!)
—In her bitterness it would seem she was done with everyone and everything. It would make sense she didn’t want the responsibility for them and with her pragmatic mindset at least they would be better off going back to their childhood homes and their own families. They just stood as reminders of her wrong choices and if she got rid of them she could just be left alone in her misery. They were Moabites and to the people of Judah they were unacceptable aliens which would have added to her humiliation in bringing them back with her. I’m sure as she started back she realized they were a liability to her.
C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back?
—3 times Verses 8, 12, 15
D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15?
—She was pushing Ruth to choose and do what she had convinced Orpah to do. I think she was wanting to be free of her. It was that pragmatic frame of mind that Paige talked about. An attitude that we all will be better off if you do what I think and say.
E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true?
—She said He was against her.
F. Paige said that saying “It is what it is” is Nihilism. Thoughts?
— This was very informative as I had never given that statement a thought before as being actually untrue. Paige said it is not a biblical statement and is not biblically true. The reason being that what ever is happening it is what God is doing and allowing and is how He is responding. She also said Naomi’s theology was right in that she knew God is God but her conclusion was wrong that He was against her and out to destroy her.
I would say His grace and mercy were far beyond anything for her to imagine as possible in her life. And it is the same with us to some degree. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what we can think or imagine.
I agree and have stopped saying “It is what it is!”
Everyone — Paige has canceled this week due to her father’s illness. We will do an overview of the themes of Ruth next week. Her lesson on Ruth 1 is still up. Patti led us in a good prayer for Paige.
Love this, Bev: I would say His grace and mercy were far beyond anything for her to imagine as possible in her life. And it is the same with us to some degree. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what we can think or imagine.
6. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now?
I think Christians should respond with hope and optimism, however many (including myself) do not always do that. Those of the evil one would respond with cynicism and despondence.
I have many reasons to not be hopeful and positive in our circumstances as they currently are, with our oldest son shunning us (and I have never met his two kids), and our daughter and the court situation. However, God calls me to be hopeful and put the weight of these two situations in His hands. Thank You Lord, for being my rock when I am weak.
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6?
There is a blessing in Bethlehem, of food. She turns to make a change.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son?
The prodigal son returns to his father when he realizes that he has failed miserably and is eating/living with pigs! He repents.
Oh, Laura, the heartache in your situation could devastate anyone, and yet you are trusting Him in all of it. Your life is a witness to His faithfulness, and you are glorifying Him through your words and actions. I pray you’ll be surrounded by His grace, and that His presence will be manifested in your life as you live for Him. In Jesus name, amen
Oh, Laura, I think of you so often and of these situations with your grown children. It is so painful to see our children’s heart harden against family. It is so prevalent these days and so heartbreaking. I love that you are giving these situations to the Lord. He knows and understands. I agree with Cheryl Ann, you are glorifying Him in your words and actions.
Thank you ladies! Those are certainly encouraging words. I had a great role model in my mother, who never gave up. Her husband died when she was 48 and he was 50. She never remarried. I remember her sitting at our dining table writing psychiatric reports for hours. Usually midnight. Same for the Bible study she ran at our church. Hours. When she passed, we went through all her things. She loved to read and journaled a lot. I found index cards with encouraging words to herself. Scripture. She loved the Lord. I have mentioned this on the blog before, so pardon if you have read it. A card I have (in her handwriting) says, “Sometimes Lord, I want to toss in the towel. Grant me courage and persistence.” She wasn’t perfect, but she was good. I absolutely know God loves me and is with me. I know He cares. I don’t understand, but He does. I will never give up.
Laura, what a treasure to have your mother’s notes. The Lord will reward you for your faithfulness to him. ❤️
That is a wonderful heritage, Laura.
Thursday: Full-Hearted Response of Ruth
10. Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say? Basically she says, Please don’t ask me to leave, I’ll live with you all your life and my life, too. I embrace your God. Ruth shows clear understanding here when she says, “The Lord do so to me, and more also..” She is actually making a vow to the Lord.
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer. To cleave in marriage is to leave your family and be joined together inseparably to your spouse. Physically Ruth is holding on to Naomi, but her words show she has left all thought of her family and gods to be joined to the Lord. This does not make any sense humanly speaking. It is a result of God’s work in Ruth’s heart.
In spite of Naomi’s spiritual condition at this moment, she must have been a witness to Ruth of who the Lord is, during their time together before the death of her sons.
C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see? I was thinking the same thing, Dee. One of the many underlined verses in my Bible is Acts 11:23 Barnabas talking to Gentile believers Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see?
Both Rahab and Ruth were born and raised in pagan, idolatrous countries. Rahab learned about the God of the Israelites through rumors, and she feared Him. Ruth learned about the Lord from Naomi, and she recognized Him as the true God. Rahab joins the Israelites and the Lord, leaving her family/country, and Ruth leaves her family/country to join Naomi and the Lord. Both women are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why?
Ruth was giving up her family, culture, economic security, and the possibility of a future husband to go to a foreign land, One where she would be an outcast, impoverished, no hope for anything better.
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why?
They responded differently because God was drawing Ruth to Himself and not Orpah. At this point Ruth was exhibiting more trust in the Lord than Naomi. Recognizing Him as the only true God, she was willing to physically put her future into His hands.
What a great parallel verse from Barnabas on cleaving to the Lord. I also liked that you said cleaving in marriage means a willingness to leave your family. That’s what we tell the women in prison who have, so often, dysfunctional families.
14. What is your takeaway and why? To be careful of bitterness. I read Jeremiah 17:5-6 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD.
6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. It made me realize that bitterness and ingratitude causes me to miss out. The part they will not see prosperity when it comes because the focus is wrong. It’s like Paige said it’s self absorption and not the goodness of God.
Good caution on bitterness, Judy!
TUESDAY: The Surgeon’s Hands
REASONS FOR INTERVENTION
2. In the book of Judges, we see cycles of disobedience, repentance, and God coming to the rescue. But by the end, there are no more cycles because there is not more repentance on the part of God’s people. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-24, what will be some of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience? Why do you think the Lord allows this? – Blessings of obedience: blessed in the city, and in the field; abundance fruit in all areas of your life; our enemies will be defeated before us; others will know that we are heir to Christ. The curses of disobedience will be losing all these blessings that God has promised us. We will not be protected by God from pestilence and diseases. Jesus does not ask much from us as his chosen heir. He sacrificed his life, took on our sins so we can have eternity with the Lord, we should be able to do the same for him. We were given a clean slate in a sense when he died on the cross, so we don’t have a lot of backage to get rid of. It’s part of being created in His image, we need to act like him.
3. Moab was a pagan land where the god Chemosh demanded child sacrifice. God told His people they should not inter-marry with the Moabites. (See Deut. 23:2-3) What happened in Ruth 1:1? Thoughts? – In Ruth, a man from Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Elimelech, went to Moab with his wife and two sons to sojourn. When I read this, I think of Daniel where he was a foreigner in a strange place and God was with him for his obedience to stay steadfast with his beliefs. It seems like the same for Elimelech and his family. If they stay steadfast in the foreign land God will be with them, but if they fall away and go into disobedience to the truth, curses will come upon them.
4. Bethlehem and Moab are only 50 miles apart. Why do you think the conditions of the two lands were so different? – I wonder if it’s because of the lack of repentance and disobedience to the Lord. They had no regard for the truth of God’s Word and did whatever they wanted and didn’t think twice about others.
COMPROMISE OF THE FAMILY
5. Read Ruth 1:1-5
A. What happens to Naomi in these verses? – Naomi loses her husband and two sons while they were in Moab.
B. What began as a “sojourn” turns into how long? – They were there about ten years.
C. Paige made a parallel with a family that chooses to leave a strong gospel-centered church for a church with a more “fun” kids ministry. Thoughts? – I don’t remember this, but leaving a church that is strong in the Word for a fun kids ministry is not going to help the child grow into a well versed, gospel believing adult. God does not mind that we have fun, but he wants us to have priorities and to be growing in the Word so others that see us will know that we are a Christian and belong to God.
COMPLEXITIES OF GOD
6. Paige makes the important point that this isn’t simplistic — it isn’t that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people, for we know both happen to both. God is complex. She compared the knife of a murderer with the knife of a surgeon. Your life depends not on your circumstances but on whose hands you are in. Contrast how a child of God might respond to hardship to a child of the devil. (For those are our two choices.) How does this apply to your life right now? – A child of God will know to pray, cry out to God for protection and stand strong in His Word. They will know how to fight the enemy. A child of the devil will not know how to fight the circumstance. They will become weak, feel alone and fall to the hands of the enemy. For my life, I can know without a doubt that God will fight right along with me in any situation that comes against me. I can cry out to him and find peace in all things.
7. What whisper of hope do you see in Ruth 1:6? – Naomi heard that the Lord had provided for his people and gave them food.
8. The word return is the Hebrew word “shub” and is translated many ways in Ruth, but inherent is the idea of repentance. How would this be like the younger prodigal son? – They both realized, even a little bit, that they were wrong in walking away from God and doing whatever they wanted to do. They knew that God was able to take care of them and returned to where He was.
Thursday: Full-Hearted Response of Ruth
10. Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say?
—In these verses Ruth demonstrates a commitment not only to stay with Naomi but also a commitment to Naomi’s God the God of Israel. In verse 17 she specifically says the LORD. Which when written in capital letters in the Scripture is referring specifically to Yahweh the God of the Israelites. Ruth had been raised in a pagan culture that worshipped false heathen gods but obviously at some point she recognized Who the one true God was that her husband and his family were associated with at least by their heritage. And perhaps she had even in Moab heard of the One God of the Israelites and his mighty acts. Perhaps when she married Naomi’s son she was curious about the God of the Hebrews and asked questions and perhaps the answers in light of her pagan upbringing made sense to her. We don’t know because we aren’t told but I do believe God had put a draw on her heart as to Who he was because her heart was not cold or hard.
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer.
—It had to be Naomi’s God just from what I answered above.
C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see?
—Ruth was demonstrating a commitment to stick with Naomi no matter what and to do the right thing. I would presume she recognized Naomi needed her even though Naomi had no idea. Naomi had not clung to her own God and Redeemer and even today we see many nominal Christians who profess but do not cling to their own Redeemer Jesus. The older I get the more I recognize my deep need of Him and the more I cling to Him. I just don’t do life well without Jesus.
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see?
—There is a very clear parallel in that they were both non Jewish women raised in pagan cultures that worshipped false gods but had at some point seen and believed in the One true God and were willing to step out in faith and follow Him. It’s a beautiful thing that Rahab was Boaz’s grandmother. So both women are in the linage of Jesus.
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why?
—Because Naomi’s argument of going back to her own people and finding a husband was a much more logical answer than going with Naomi to what was a foreign country for Ruth. She would be an outsider and they were both widows with no source of income or status.
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why?
—I feel because we aren’t told we can only speculate. But I would say that in spite of Naomi for some reason Ruth had placed her faith in Naomi’s God and I think she also demonstrated that she was someone with a heart for a very grumpy old woman and was determined to take care of her because I think it looked liked she wasn’t of the right frame of mind to take care of herself.
Bev, you said, I just don’t do life well without Jesus. That’s me also. Leaning on my own understanding can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and hurt feelings.
I don’t do life well without Jesus either! Amen Bev and Cheryl Ann!
I liked: “It looked like she wasn’t in the right frame of mind to take care of herself.” So good and compassionate.
Friday: THE GREATER RUTH
10. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. How does Naomi respond in verse 18? Paige said the phrase is literally that Naomi goes silent. What is “the silent treatment” often meant to communicate? Disagreement
B. Describe the dialogue between Naomi and the women of Bethlehem. What do you see? How might this have been hurtful to Ruth? PEOPLE OF BETHLEHEM ARE SHOCKED AT THE SITE OF NAOMI. NAOMI SAYS I HAVE NOTHING-SHE MAKES NOTHING OF HER DAUGHTER, RUTH IS NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGED. NO MENTION OF REPENTANCE.
C. Eon Duguid: “We would rather bear the pain of continued emptiness than confess our pursuit of fulness in all the wrong places.” How might you see this in Naomi? She does not look for God’s blessings. Do you agree with this concerning Naomi? Yes. Have you done this? Oh, yes-in the loss of my sexuality at the young age of 46. It was a loss of identity for me as a wife and as a woman, as a result of thyroid related health issues. (DIFFERENCES IN THE SOURCES OF OUR SADNESS AND THE SOURCES OF OUR BITTERNESS. ) It’s subtle-loss can be sad, but crippling self-absorption is unhealthy. I knew it was the Lord who allowed this, but became crippled and self-absorbed. For years now I have been on a journey of medical trials, diet change and supplements, attempting to “fix” what the Lord has allowed. To make the situation more difficult, this happened during a time that my marriage was at its worst. In my lack of trust, I hid my problem and it only grew, magnifying all the problems.
D. How did God respond to the grumbling Israelites? The Lord immediately makes it sweet for them. How does He respond to Naomi? He provides for her. He does not stop pursuing her. How has He responded to you? My problem has not been fixed, but relationships have become more sweet to me and my marriage has changed in a way it never could have before. There has been a great loss, but also a great gain. The Lord continues to pursue me, may I never abandon my faith in Him ❤️
11. Who really left His home to cleave to us even unto death? Jesus-he had to leave heaven, but he also had to leave the disciples.
12. Paige returns to her theme about the surgeon’s hands. What do you know about the hands of Christ? NAOMI SEES THE PAIN SHE HAS AS A STABBING NOT A HEALING. THE LORD HAS GIVEN HER RUTH, BUT SHE DOESN’T SEE THIS GIFT. GOD IS THE COMMITTED REDEEMER. CHRIST LEFT THE GLORY OF HEAVEN TO BE WITH US. HE CLEAVES TO US EVEN UNTO DEATH. THE FATHER CAME TO CHRIST AFTER HIS DEATH TO RESTORE HIM. THE FATHER SEEMS TO EMPTY US- CHRIST HUNG ON THE CROSS FOR US-EVERYTHING WE ENDURE, CHRIST KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES TO REDEEM. In my challenges in life, the hands of Christ are always evident, if I watch for Him. I have had fellow saints walk alongside me. I have had continued blessings in this blog, in church family, in my immediate family. Innumerable earthly blessings, but more importantly God’s word and the gift of prayer have been my constant companions.
13. Paige tells a story of her 6 1/2 hour heart surgery and her mother’s concern about her comfort. The surgeon said, “The point is not to make her comfortable but to fix her heart.” How has God brought pain into your life in order to fix your heart? THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INSTANCES OF PAIN IN MY LIFE AND EVERY TIME MY HEART IS TURNED TO GOD, PRAISE JESUS. IT IS SO HARD TO SEE (beyond the pain)SOMETIMES, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE’S WORKING ON MY IDENTITY. HE HAS TO STRIP AWAY EVERYTHING UNTIL MY ONLY IDENTITY IS IN HIM.
Oh Chris. I just listened to a sermon on Isaiah 59 by Mark Vloegup (new President of Gospel Coalition) on unfixable situations and how God says His arm is not too short to save. I do pray that for you!
Thank you, I will look that one up. I’m finally feeling like it’s okay if nothing changes. The sadness will always be there, as with any loss, but I’m not crippled with self-absorption anymore and I’m able to see the blessings that have come. I’m for sure much more sympathetic to those who struggle with sexual problems, dysphoria, etc. Before this happened, I could not understand how one could possibly struggle with these things, but now I have seen first hand how things can go terribly wrong in that department and what a curse it can be to live with when you have no one in your corner. The suicide rate among homosexuals and others dealing with these things is out of sight and I can see why. Without my identity in Christ, I would be there, too.
Oh, dear Chris. I join Bev in praying for you. Thank you for your transparency. Thankfully, our Lord understands every cell in our bodies.
Thank you, Patti. I do confess that I am still troubled by my loss and am fearful about a trip my husband has planned in February. We will be gone for 7 days together to Arizona. We don’t take big trips. I struggle with facing my loss in that much time alone together. Truthfully, I often keep busy to avoid being faced with it. I would greatly appreciate prayer as I know my heart will be hurting on this trip. Outside of my intimate prayer group and health professionals, this is the first I have shared this great struggle with anyone. You ladies have earned my trust with the most challenging identity/marriage struggle of my heart. Thank you for your example to me.
Chris, sharing this with you as a prayer: https://youtu.be/F3vyWg9IOcM?si=4TUU4f8qhrOTsMZY
Cover me, Lord, with your presence
“Cover me Lord with your presence, Cover me Lord with your righteousness, Cover me Lord with your holiness, Lord Jesus, cover me. I need your protection from danger and harm Shelter me safe in your strong, loving arm Help me to see there’s no cause for alarm Lord Jesus, cover me. Under your shadow, I won’t be afraid Cover me Lord ’till the storm blows away And then in the heat of a beautiful day Lord Jesus cover me.”
Thank you for that beautiful song/prayer, Bing. I do so need His presence.
Chris you said “more importantly God’s word and the gift of prayer have been my constant companions”. That speaks to your clinging to Jesus through an incredibly difficult situation. I too pray for you and trust our sweet Savior’s hand on your life.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Thank you, Bev. It means so much to to have others praying. And this is one of my favorite verses hanging in my kitchen now. 🩷
🙏🙏🙏 I join Bev in this Psalm verse prayer for you, Chris. God will not fail you.
Oops~Isaiah 41:10….not Psalm…
Thanks so for being vulnerable Chris.
Father, please be Immanuel to Chris on this trip, and help her to be aware or ways You are loving her, being present with her, and Your beloved daughter. Give her the peace that passes understanding.
In Jesus Name I pray
I join with everyone in agreement. Dear Lord, Give Chris a peaceful heart and mind. May she sense your presence in a very real way, knowing that you cleave to her always. Guard her against any thoughts of fear and self doubt, build a hedge around her and fill her with your joy. As she leans into you Father, may your Holy Spirit hold her close, in Jesus name I pray. amen
Thank you all, again. Praying too for my husband. We are both hurting. Lord, help us remember your pain on the cross. What we face is nothing in comparison.
9. Read Ruth 1:7-18
A. What does Naomi say to her daughter-in-law when they set out to go with her to Bethlehem according to verses 8-9?
She tells them she has nothing to offer them and for them to return to their people. She asks the Lord to bless them with new marriages.
B. Paige questioned her sincerity, believing she really didn’t want them. What do you think and why? (I’ll give you my opinion after a few answer!)
Paige says that Naomi is a half hearted believer. She is trudging back the Bethlehem with no hope. She has an opportunity to evangelize here with Ruth and instead she is sending her away. She asks the Lord to bless her though. Wishy-washy. I guess I see her as a person who is a believer but has had such disappointment and sadness in her life that she is hanging on by a thread. I have been there. I don’t think she can handle someone else’s troubles and her own at that moment. She doesn’t want her “bad karma” to rub off on Ruth. For some reason, she feels, that God is not with her right then. She hasn’t totally given up though because she is heading to her homeland where she will have to face Him.
C. How many times does she try to send Ruth back?
Three times.
D. What do you think about her words to Ruth in verse 15?
She tells her to go back to “her gods.” She must think there is no reason to come with her to her land and God. She is questioning God herself. Haven’t we all faltered when life has not been kind? As faithful as I am to God, there have been times when I questioned and felt low, like He didn’t care. Those are the times when I had to realize there was no other option. Usually another believer helped encourage me, or scripture spoke, or I heard a song that made me remember Him. I guess that would be the Holy Spirit, right? Did Naomi have the Holy Spirit? Jesus had not come at that point. I know the triune God existed, but did they know about Him?
E. What were Naomi’s feelings about God that were not true?
She believed He was punishing her and she didn’t want that for her DIL’s.
Friday: THE GREATER RUTH
10. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. How does Naomi respond in verse 18? Paige said the phrase is literally that Naomi goes silent. What is “the silent treatment” often meant to communicate? She stopped speaking. “The silent treatment” conveys severe displeasure and is a form of manipulation. The Bible does not record if there was anymore conversation on the journey.
B. Describe the dialogue between Naomi and the women of Bethlehem. What do you see? How might this have been hurtful to Ruth? The whole city was agitated to see Naomi. She had left ten years earlier with her husband, probably healthy and well respected. Now she was alone, and hardly recognizable, “Is this Naomi?” Questions must have been running through their minds; where is Elimelech, where are her sons, what happened, who is that woman with her? They don’t ask any of these questions before Naomi stops them with her statement, Don’t call me Naomi, call me Mara! Then she proceeds to blame God for all her misfortune and tragedy. I left full and have returned empty.
Naomi still is locked in her bitterness and grief, refusing to even acknowledge Ruth. It’s almost as if she is treating Ruth as a servant by not introducing her to the women. After all, Ruth had suffered, too, and should have been acknowledged as her DIL.
I have found that bitterness in my own life made me self-centered and very angry. That’s what was happening to Naomi.
C. Eon Duguid: “We would rather bear the pain of continued emptiness than confess our pursuit of fulness in all the wrong places.” How might you see this in Naomi? Do you agree with this concerning Naomi? Have you done this? I answered this in the previous question, but let me add that being bitter/angry gives a false feeling of righteousness. I have a right to be angry, we rationalize to ourselves.
D. How did God respond to the grumbling Israelites? How does He respond to Naomi? How has He responded to you? In the wilderness when they grumbled about water/food, God provided them with water and manna/quails. What Naomi is ignoring is that God gave her Ruth.
11. Who really left His home to cleave to us even unto death? This was a new analogy to me, and it is SO PRECIOUS. Jesus left heaven to live each day with me, go with me anywhere, until the day I die and then forevermore in glory. Unlike Ruth and Naomi who had a physical closeness, Jesus cleaves to me by actually living IN me. I can do nothing less than cleave to Him.
12. Paige returns to her theme about the surgeon’s hands. What do you know about the hands of Christ?
Tenderly Christ used his hands to heal, in righteous anger he used his hands to clear the temple, in love he used his hands to wash the disciples’ feet, in godly love and obedience he offered his hands to be nailed to the cross. His hands now bear the scars of that crucifixion.
13. Paige tells a story of her 6 1/2 hour heart surgery and her mother’s concern about her comfort. The surgeon said, “The point is not to make her comfortable but to fix her heart.” How has God brought pain into your life in order to fix your heart?
I know this will be a long testimony, but I need to provide background information.
After being diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia (affecting my voice), I began getting injections of botox (years before botox became popular). Sometimes the injection worked and sometimes I had to get a booster injection. Although directly given into my neck, they were not painful because of the numbing prior to them. I had this course of therapy every three months over the course of a year. I was on an emotional roller coaster; would it work this time or not, will I be able to speak normally or not?
After a year, I went for my regular injection. As I lay on the table, with the surgeon and nurses around me, I wondered once again, will it work this time? This time it was painful and tears rolled down the side of my face as I lay there. It was over quickly, and I thought, if it works, it’s worth those minutes of pain. Well it did not work this time, and I cried out to the Lord in confusion, Why?
It was almost like an audible voice spoke to me; “Cheryl, you have done all that you could. You have used all available medical expertise, but you can stop now.” His peace flooded my heart.
I’ve shared before just how well the Lord has taken care of me and used me mightily, not in spite of my pain/limitations, but BECAUSE of them.
Cheryl Ann, what a path you have been on with your voice. I love your testimony and it is so meaningful and worth reading. What an inspiration you are to me. Thank you for so openly sharing this. I so love this: Well it did not work this time, and I cried out to the Lord in confusion, Why? It was almost like an audible voice spoke to me; “Cheryl, you have done all that you could. You have used all available medical expertise, but you can stop now.” His peace flooded my heart.I’ve shared before just how well the Lord has taken care of me and used me mightily, not in spite of my pain/limitations, but BECAUSE of them.
“I’ve shared before just how well the Lord has taken care of me and used me mightily, not in spite of my pain/limitations, but BECAUSE of them.”
Cheryl, This is a powerful testimony in and of itself.
Thank you for your testimony. It’s powerful/encouraging to hear of others and the way God uses the struggles we find ourselves in.
Oh my Cheryl. Thanks so for sharing. The whole testimony is powerful, in part, because it didn’t end as you hoped, but He spoke to you and your trusted in Him, and He is using you because of your limitations. Wow!
Friday: THE GREATER RUTH
10. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. How does Naomi respond in verse 18?
—When Naomi saw that she couldn’t dissuade Ruth from going with her she just stopped talking to her.
Paige said the phrase is literally that Naomi goes silent. What is “the silent treatment” often meant to communicate?
—It often means someone feels anger and punishes them with not talking to them. It definitely conveyed she was not in agreement with Ruth’s decision.
B. Describe the dialogue between Naomi and the women of Bethlehem. What do you see? How might this have been hurtful to Ruth?
—She makes the whole discussion about herself and her own misery seeming to ignore the fact that Ruth also is a widow and shares the same plight as Naomi. Even worse for Ruth would be the fact she was an unacceptable alien from a country despised by the Hebrews. I would have thought Ruth had to feel very, very alone at this point in time.
C. Eon Duguid: “We would rather bear the pain of continued emptiness than confess our pursuit of fulness in all the wrong places.” How might you see this in Naomi? Do you agree with this concerning Naomi?
—Naomi makes no confession what so ever of the wrongness of leaving Bethlehem and going to Moab to live where she did the forbidden practice of marrying her sons to Moabite women. She seems to just blame God rather than swallow her pride of admitting her disobedience to God’s commands which if practiced would have resulted in blessing. When God withheld his blessing she became angry and bitter. And she remained stubbornly in her misery.
Have you done this?
—Yes I have. There are times I have spoken out when I should have been quiet but later justified my comments and felt defensive rather than admit I was wrong. 🥴
I’m so grateful for a merciful and forgiving Savior.
D. How did God respond to the grumbling Israelites? How does He respond to Naomi? How has He responded to you?
—In each case God remains constant in his mercy and readiness to forgive. Disobedient actions always reap misery by nature of excluding God and his will but as Paige noted God is a committed Redeemer. I am so grateful for that truth. He has never not been available when I call to him out of my need.
11. Who really left His home to cleave to us even unto death?
—Jesus. He came to earth and became and embraced flesh like ours. Becoming flesh made him truly one with us so that in dying in our place to redeem our flesh we can become one with Him. The mystery of it all is beautiful and deep.
12. Paige returns to her theme about the surgeon’s hands. What do you know about the hands of Christ?
—They are nail scarred hands. Hands that understand pain because they were pierced by the spikes that held Him on the Cross. So he understands any pain that I have in life.
Jesus was always physically touching people as he ministered to and healed the crowds. Even the most untouchable people like the leper.
Another aspect about the hands of Jesus is from John 10.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me,is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.””
John 10:27-30 ESV
These verses bring great security “eternal security” to me personally as being one of His sheep. And knowing I am held solidly in His hand.
13. Paige tells a story of her 6 1/2 hour heart surgery and her mother’s concern about her comfort. The surgeon said, “The point is not to make her comfortable but to fix her heart.”
How has God brought pain into your life in order to fix your heart?
—Really at my age the occasions in my life are many where pain both physical and emotional have caused my heart to seek Him. Whatever the conditions of my heart when I fall at his feet and cry out to Him I have found comfort, peace and healing in my soul. He always remains faithful to me.
Saturday:
14. What is your takeaway and why? RUTH CHAPTER 1 IS AN INVITATION TO SAY, SHOW ME YOUR HANDS. May I continue to watch for the Father’s hands in the great losses of this life. Praise God, for his great redemption in my life. Help me to see his scarred hands in my moments of great darkness, that I may know he is working on me with His loving hands and his unwavering faithfulness.
So true, Chris!
Takeaway for this week.
My take away is all the comments/testimonies of our group this week. As we have interacted with the scripture and each other, I have been blessed and greatly encouraged. This community is truly an example of unity in the Body of Christ, May the Lord be glorified as we share, laugh, cry, grow, and love each other through His grace.
Amen, Cheryl Ann! Perfectly said. Praising God for His love, unity, trust and goodness in this group. All Glory to God!
Amen.
Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say?
“Where you go I will also go.” She is NOT going to leave Naomi!
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer.
I think she is cleaving to God and Naomi is the one person she can rely on to be her guide. If she gives up Naomi, she gives up God.
“I think she is cleaving to God and Naomi is the one person she can rely on to be her guide. If she gives up Naomi, she gives up God.”
—Laura, That is a very interesting thought. 🤔
I agree with Bev, Laura! Great answer to B.
Saturday:
14. What is your takeaway and why?
—As I look back over my notes from Paige’s teaching these comments stood out to me.
“Ruth is not an extraordinary story but a beautiful tapestry woven into the lives of ordinary people. It is about personal sovereignty. We have a God who is hands on. We need to recognize God’s hands are always at work according to his heart”.
—I think I’m often slow to recognize the heart of God behind his hands at work in my life and the lives of those close to me. His heart is pure and true and full of perfect love. Jesus is the epitome of that in the whole of his life on earth in the flesh. The perfect heart that went to the Cross for me.
This is so so good, Bev!! We do have a God whose hands are always at work according to His heart.
10. Read Ruth 1:16-17
A. This is the first time Ruth speaks, and she doesn’t answer any of Naomi’s objections. Instead, what does she say?
Ruth tells Naomi that she does not want Naomi to beg her to stay behind, but she wants to be with Naomi, unto death, to live with her people and worship her God. She has a sense about the true God; I wonder if she realizes that the life of idol worship is not a good way of life. Does Naomi really care for her daughters in law so much that she thinks they would be better off living in an ungodly country, or is it because without a husband it would be hard to survive. Sorry for the rabbit trail…
B. Paige explains the word “cleave” or “clung” is the same word used for marriage. What does this tell you? To whom is Ruth primarily cleaving? Explain your answer.
Ruth is cleaving to Naomi and her God. Ruth sees that Naomi, though bitter and bereft, seems to be trusting her God over staying in Moab. It makes me wonder what Ruth’s experience was with the idols of Moab. Ruth and Naomi must have had a good relationship that Ruth is so loyal; and it seems that Ruth is perceptive and desirous of knowing the God of Naomi’s people. I feel that Ruth is cleaving to the God of Israel.
C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel are hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see?
Christ is our husband and He is God incarnate. He will care for us no matter what. He is trustworthy and worth following, even when you don’t know where He is leading you. Ruth is cleaving to God. I want to be like that ~ cleaving to Jesus, and following Him because I don’t know where He is leading, but I know He is good.
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see?
Though their backgrounds are much different from one another, their hearts desired to know the true God. They both wanted to leave the lands of idol worship, in order to worship the true God and entrust their lives to Him. And the irony of Rehab being the mother of Boaz, who then married Ruth.
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why?
It was a fragile situation for a woman in that time to be without a husband and going to a foreign land. A woman was very dependent on marriage and a husband for her future. I always love the way we can look back at the scriptures and see how God wove these relationships, and drew both of these women, from different ungodly backgrounds, to the one true God.
F. Orpah and Ruth heard the same thing from Naomi. Why do you think they responded differently? (John Piper said, “Naomi painted the future black and Ruth took her hand and walked into it with her.”) Why?
Orpah may have been thinking of her immediate future and survival. Ruth was thinking of being supportive to Naomi. She seemed to have a desire to know the One true God.
I love this Patti:
Christ is our husband and He is God incarnate. He will care for us no matter what. He is trustworthy and worth following, even when you don’t know where He is leading you. Ruth is cleaving to God. I want to be like that ~ cleaving to Jesus, and following Him because I don’t know where He is leading, but I know He is good.
So often, we don’t know and the Israelites did not know, but he is trustworthy 🩷
“I don’t know where He is leading, but I know He is good.” and so we follow. Stepping out in faith sometimes is a little scary, but it can be exciting, too. Thank you Lord for being faithful to us, even when we may falter in our steps. You are always there to pick us up and give grace and strength to keep going.
I agree Patti:
Orpah may have been thinking of her immediate future and survival. Ruth was thinking of being supportive to Naomi. She seemed to have a desire to know the One true God.
10C. I (Dee) think her words should parallel our hearts in cleaving to Christ. If you look at it that way, what do you see?
Then, it becomes me speaking to Jesus. I won’t live without Him.
D. Paige compares her to Rahab — if you are familiar with that story, what parallels do you see?
Rahab used the spies as a conduit to God as Ruth uses Naomi as one. She does exactly what the spies tell her to do, to be able to be with God.
E. Ralph Davis said that from the worldly perspective, Ruth’s decision is not rational. Why?
Who would leave their family and go with ac complete “stranger” to a strange land??
It struck me that the Bible did not tell many details of what transpired during the 10 years that Naomi and her family were in Moab. I wondered how much Ruth and Orpah were privy to conversations about God in their household. But there were God stirrings in Ruth’s heart that compelled her to decide to go with Naomi. Just as God has done in my heart many years ago. He came for me and I am glad to have followed Him.