I thought Paige’s teaching magnificent, and as I often do, loved her closing.
She zoomed in showing how mindful God is of ordinary people.
Mindful of Ruth and Boaz in the fields of Bethlehem.
Mindful of David, the little shepherd boy in the fields of Bethlehem.
Mindful of the shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks by night, on that glorious night when the angels appeared over the fields of Bethlehem.
Then she zoomed out, showing us God’s extraordinary plan, a plan made before the foundation of the world.
Sunday:
1. Share how the Lord has recently been mindful of you in small or great ways.
Monday: Sculpting Patiently as He Uses the Blotches
2. Review
A. What do you remember about the Surgeon’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 1?
B. What do you remember about the Shepherd’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 2?
3. Read Ruth 3:1-5
A. What does Naomi tell Ruth to do and how does she respond?
B. How do you see a change in Naomi through her actions?
4. Why did Paige think this was a crazy scheme?
Sinclair Ferguson imagined an ad Ruth might have placed:
Moabite barren widow seeking a husband who must take in my mother-in-law as well.
5. How did Paige handle her little daughter, who surprised her by planting all of her flowers together in a tight space? How would you have handled it? How did she reflect the Lord, who is slow to chide and swift to bless?
6. Share a time when someone did something for you or gave you a gift you didn’t want but your response was pure “hesed” (slow to chide and swift to bless) — or when you failed to love well and regret it.
Tuesday: Sculpting Beautifully as He Joins the Pieces
7. Read Ruth 3:6-18
A. Naomi didn’t specifically tell Ruth to lie down “at his feet” but to lie down. Why do you think Ruth chooses to lie at his feet?
B. Naomi also didn’t tell Ruth to say anything, but she does. What does she say? Why might she have chosen to make her intentions clear?
C. See Ezekiel 16:8. What does the Lord say He did for His people here? What parallel do you see with this passage in Ruth — and what does this teach you about what Boaz may be communicating to Ruth?
D. How can you tell through Boaz’s words and actions that he is pleased? (v. 10-11)
E. What is his bad news for her, and what is his plan? How do you see his faith here?
F. How does he protect her and again show that he cares for Naomi’s needs?
G. How do you see faith in Naomi?
8. Why did Paige think Naomi’s plan was risky, if not downright outrageous?
9. Neither is obligated to the other — how does this scene show “chosen hesed love?”
10. How is it a character match?
11. What stands out to you from Paige?
12. What if someone was not so wise in choosing a mate? How can the Lord still use it for good?
Wednesday: The City Gate
13. Read Ruth 4:1-9
A. Who is the first at the gate and “just then” who happens by?
B. Paige said “my friend” is not accurate — better would be “Hey you.” Why you do think this kinsman-redeemer is the only one without a name in the book of Ruth?
C. How does Boaz make the offer as unattractive as possible?
D. How is Joe Schmoe a foil to Boaz and Orpah to Ruth?
E. How does Boaz respond when Joe Schmoe refuses the offer?
14. Boaz is not obligated to be a kinsman-redeemer. Parallel with Jesus?
15. Paige said God loves His people as Ruth loved Naomi and Boaz loved Ruth. Name a few things you see.
16. What else stood out from Paige?
Thursday/Friday: Zoom In and Zoom Out
17. Read Ruth 4:11-12
What are the people of Bethlehem asking God to do through Ruth by comparing her to Rachel, Leah, and Tamar? What did you learn from Paige?
18. Find all the ways God personally blessed Naomi.
19. What do the women of Bethlehem say about Ruth? Significance of seven sons?
19. Significance of Ruth beginning “In the days of Judges” and ending with “David.”
The future opens up from the faithful, small-scale actions of three ordinary people, each serving the needs, spoken and unspoken, of the other.
Ralph Davis
20. Comments on the above — and how this might relate to your life?
Saturday:
21. Write down 3 things you would really like God to press into your heart from this series on Ruth.
—
135 comments
1. Share how the Lord has recently been mindful of you in small or great ways.
Oh how hard life is sometimes! I have been so sad, exhausted, and just done with our life this week. I have not slept well, and am not taking good care of myself. Discouragement ensues. BUT, Him. He is good, He is right, He loves me, He ministers through others to me when I am grasping, trying my best to hold on to what is real and true. I love that you posted Poor Bishop Hooper this week!
It always boils down to music for me for some reason. I had a professor in college whom I was close to. One time when I was feeling the same as this past week, he asked me, what would make you feel better? I answered, music. It’s in my soul. This week it was the song, Still Waters, by Leanna Crawford. I posted it on the blog, but here it is again if you missed it.
https://youtu.be/WW0VJxPqeRc?si=R7i0oS6Zm5JzF0Em
Thank You Lord, for giving me music. Thank Yiu for letting it touch me and lift me.
Truly music is a gift. And good you know it so helps your soul.
Laura, thank you for sharing this beautiful song by Leanna Crawford! I have not listened to her before. I also love the next one that came after I listened to “Still Waters”. It is titled, “Honest”. Powerful words. Music is a balm to my spirit as well.
May the Lord strengthen and encourage you today and in the days to come.
Praying for you this passage in 2 Corinthians 4: 8-12 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Thanks, Bing. Interesting scripture.
I couldn’t agree more, Laura. Music has brought me through so much of the time when I couldn’t even bring myself to engage in church, but I could lament in song. Many prayers for you this week.
Thanks for your prayers, Chris.
I’ve never heard this song before. What a blessing it is, Laura. I’m always praying for you and your family.
Oh, Laura. This song is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it. I have been silent, as I have had a flu bug. I will be praying for you, dear Laura. Life can be such a struggle. May our Father in Heaven you His peace.
Laura,
Thank you for posting this song. I had never heard it before. It is a sleepless night here for me and I needed the reminders in this song.
Sunday:
1. Share how the Lord has recently been mindful of you in small or great ways.
A little long here:
The past week has been crazy with cancellations and taking care of details of its aftermath. Temperatures were either in the teens or below zero. We had scheduled our yearly Valentine’s dinner for a small group of 36 people. And to top all this, a dear older gentleman member of our church has been placed in hospice. Our phones were ringing with texts and inquiries. Through and in our talks at the dinner table, Richard and I have agreed to wait on the Lord and pray for His peace that passes all understanding. And He did! Sleep was refreshing and calm was replacing our anxious thoughts.
He has been mindful of us through people’s kind words and support:
2 older ladies (both in their 90s) showed up for church today and told us that the weather will not deter them from coming to church! I shared a quote from a posting I saw with these ladies: “Some friends recharge your heart when you see them”. We also had many other people come to church despite the bitter cold. A 3-year-old boy wanted to show me his Storm Catcher t-shirt under his sweater. Aww…
Our nursery workers were available to help both at the dinner and our 2-morning services. It could have fallen on me to do nursery if they were not available. Again, with the weather and other things they are involved with, God cleared their calendars to be able to say yes.
Our speaker for our dinner drove over 200 miles both ways to be with us. He brought his fiancée along and both of them blessed me so much. She shared about the college ministry she is involved with on campus; he shared from the bible about God’s love. He is finishing up his last year in nursing school and she has a little more than a year to finish a special ed teacher degree. God reminded me He is preparing younger men and women to pass the ministry baton to as He calls us to a different calling. This is in light of Richard expressing his plan last month to retire from being our pastor by late summer or early fall this year. we are confident god is preparing someone to fill this position.
Wow. This is so amazing. I love when the Lord clearly provides what you know you need and all glory can be given to Him. This whole post is so sweet, Bing. I’m happy that you could have this speaker be an encouragement as well with retirement looming.
Love your whole lovely post, Bing — and good work for the Lord.
You are such an inspiration, dear Bing. Thank you for sharing these sweet answers to prayer. Your faith speaks to my heart.
Dee, may I tell you again how much I appreciate this side trip to Ruth? This book in the Bible has always been very special to me; our study added a dimension to its beauty personally for me. Paige was indeed magnificent here and her closing brought me to tears in appreciation of the surgeon, shepherd, sculptor, and scarred hands of our Savior.
And to add to Laura’s song, here is Nicole Mullen’s “The God Who Sees” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04uKAWKEoG8
Wow! What a beautiful song. I haven’t heard of her. Thanks Bing!
Isn’t her voice very powerful? I believe Kathie Lee Gifford collaborated with her on this song. They call it a musical oratorio. Here is the original film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz81dIfwf4Y&t=9s
Bing,
This is such a beautiful, beautiful song.
I had never heard it.
Thsnk you
Oh, Bing. I know the lesson is over, but this song has so much meaning in my life. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Sunday:
1. Share how the Lord has recently been mindful of you in small or great ways.
—My husband and I are halfway through our time down here in Texas. Six weeks here and six weeks to go. I have found myself feeling a little homesick wishing I were back home in Nebraska. Some things in being here in the midst of needy family members are hard but God has been good to me in that he has given us a new circle of believers to fellowship with in a church down here. Sunday is a highlight in my week and serves to lift my spirit in the Lord. I am grateful for how I have sensed God’s presence, grace & blessings from his hands on my life when I start feeling down. God has shown me that he is mindful of me here in this place. This teaching by Paige has served to encourage me. It is good to zoom in and consider the good work of God in my life on the up close and personal level. But to then zoom out to look at the big picture and put my confidence in Him for the future work He is doing as well.
Good you are appreciating your time but also a bit homesick!
Love that you have the fellowship f your new circle of believers. God is so good.
Sunday:
1. Share how the Lord has recently been mindful of you in small or great ways.
I sometimes wonder if I am really a part of God’s great plan, and if so, what part? Is what I do of any worth at all? Yesterday I received a message from a friend who recently left her husband because of abuse. She is in NY, while I am in SC right now. I have been in contact with her daily. The message she sent was one of thanks for: praying for her, holding her up to the Lord, encouraging her, POINTING HER TO JESUS, and other things.
It was as if the Lord was saying, “Yes, Cheryl, all the little things you do matter. I am working out my plans through you. Stay close to me.”
Monday: Sculpting Patiently as He Uses the Blotches
2. Review
A. What do you remember about the Surgeon’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 1?
The Surgeon’s Hands cut to heal, not to hurt (although there will be pain). There was a famine in Israel as a consequence of their rebellion against God. He brought the famine to draw them back to Himself.
B. What do you remember about the Shepherd’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 2?
The Shepherd’s Hands are steering hearts inwardly, steering circumstances outwardly, sustaining and sheltering. All done because of the Shepherd’s hesed toward Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz.
3. Read Ruth 3:1-5
A. What does Naomi tell Ruth to do and how does she respond?
She tells her to: wash, apply perfume, clean clothes, go at night to threshing floor, when Boaz lies down to sleep – lift the cover off his feet and lie down.
Ruth says, “I will do everything you’ve said.”
B. How do you see a change in Naomi through her actions?
First Naomi tried to discourage Ruth from coming with her. Next Ruth asks Naomi to go glean in the fields, and Naomi says, “Go,” showing zero interest in Ruth (no advice of where to go or who to ask). When Ruth returns Naomi starts to ask a lot of questions and shows interest, Here in chapter 3 Naomi is taking an active role by devising this plan for Ruth to get a husband.
4. Why did Paige think this was a crazy scheme?
It was crazy because it could have resulted in so many bad things. It is still the time of the Judges, and a woman going to a threshing floor, alone, after dark, fresh and sweet smelling was asking for trouble. Ruth could have been abused, violated, and her reputation completely destroyed (and then no one would want her for a wife).
Sinclair Ferguson imagined an ad Ruth might have placed:
Moabite barren widow seeking a husband who must take in my mother-in-law as well.
5. How did Paige handle her little daughter, who surprised her by planting all of her flowers together in a tight space? How would you have handled it? How did she reflect the Lord, who is slow to chide and swift to bless?
She looked at that little face beaming up at her and said, “Thank you.” I don’t know what I would have done. I think I would have asked my daughter if we could replant SOME of the flowers, or maybe purchased some more flowers for myself.
The Lord accepts our blotches (things we’ve tried to do on our own that didn’t turn out so well), and that’s what Paige did. Her daughter’s efforts were not what Paige had planned, but she accepted those efforts graciously with a “thank you.”
6. Share a time when someone did something for you or gave you a gift you didn’t want but your response was pure “hesed” (slow to chide and swift to bless) — or when you failed to love well and regret it.
My daughter in law gave me a lovely jigsaw puzzle that shows a great work of art (I don’t remember the artist right now). It is a 1000 piece puzzle, repeating pattern of colors, and something I would never get for myself. I told her it was beautiful (it is) and thank you so much. “Do you like it? I thought it would look well in your new room (newly painted by my son/grandchildren) when you are doing it.” It will, I replied, thank you again, it’s very thoughtful of you.
I try to always be smiling and thankful when I get gifts, because I have been on the other side when my gift was rejected. I want to recognize the thought someone has put into giving me something.
I need to say (because the Spirit is repeating in my ear) that I don’t usually react to my husband with the same kindness. I confess that with Gary I am more apt to be critical of his gifts and acts of kindness. Lord, continue to remind me of hesed at all times and with EVERYONE.
Love your puzzle story. And yes to your decision to treat Gary that well!
2. Review
A. What do you remember about the Surgeon’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 1?
God was working on Ruth’s heart. He was also working on Naomi, as she was open to going home after such a long time.
B. What do you remember about the Shepherd’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 2?
God was orchestrating all the events so Ruth ended up in the right place at the right time!
3. Read Ruth 3:1-5
A. What does Naomi tell Ruth to do and how does she respond?
Shevtells her to “gussy up” and lie next to Boaz’s feet when he goes to bed. She says okay!
B. How do you see a change in Naomi through her actions?
She sees a way out of her predicament.
I like that phrase “gussy up,” that says it all!
like, like….lol
4. Why did Paige think this was a crazy scheme?
Ot seems that Naomi is asking Ruth to prostitute herself!
5. How did Paige handle her little daughter, who surprised her by planting all of her flowers together in a tight space?
She said thank you and smiled a lot!
How would you have handled it?
I might have freaked as the old Laura. However now, I would do something similar.
How did she reflect the Lord, who is slow to chide and swift to bless?
She did just that, blessed her and held back on the anger.
Sunday:
1. Share how the Lord has recently been mindful of you in small or great ways.
I have been sick the last few days and I am so grateful for the caring and wonderful husband the Lord gave me…he does it all with a servants heart.
Sharon, I hope you are much better today. We have so many sick people in our community. The flu bug has been going around. Richard and I have stayed well and I hope we stay that way.
Thank you Bing❤️
Bless dear Jim. He would make his parents proud. But I’m so sorry you’ve been sick.
Thanks Dee and yes he would make his parents proud.
I am sorry you have been sick, Sharon. So grateful for your loving husband to care for you.
Tuesday: Sculpting Beautifully as He Joins the Pieces
7. Read Ruth 3:6-18
A. Naomi didn’t specifically tell Ruth to lie down “at his feet” but to lie down. Why do you think Ruth chooses to lie at his feet?
I don’t know if it was Ruth’s intention, but to place yourself at someone’s feet shows a humble heart, putting the other person’s worth above your own.
B. Naomi also didn’t tell Ruth to say anything, but she does. What does she say? Why might she have chosen to make her intentions clear?
I am Ruth, your servant, marry me (spread your cloak over me, you are a kinsman-redeemer). She is bold, in that she does not ask him if he will, but tells him what to do.
She might have done it this way to show that she was honorable and wasn’t there for any indecent reason. Paige said she blurts it out because Ruth was overwhelmed; Boaz is not under any obligation to be the redeemer.
C. See Ezekiel 16:8. What does the Lord say He did for His people here? What parallel do you see with this passage in Ruth — and what does this teach you about what Boaz may be communicating to Ruth?
The Lord covered His people with his skirt, covered their nakedness and made a covenant with them. He claimed them as His own.
Ruth is asking for Boaz to cover her, protect and provide for her, covenant with her thru marriage.
He’s communicating hesed, righteousness, and a protective attitude.
D. How can you tell through Boaz’s words and actions that he is pleased? (v. 10-11)
He blesses Ruth because she chose him instead of a younger man. She is under no obligation to choose him. Then he says, don’t be afraid, I will do what you have required (I’ll marry you).
E. What is his bad news for her, and what is his plan? How do you see his faith here?
The bad news is that there is another kinsman with a closer claim to be redeemer. His plan is to inform the other man and give him first chance to redeem. If that man refuses, then Boaz will do the part of redeemer. He makes a vow, “as the LORD liveth” I will do it.
F. How does he protect her and again show that he cares for Naomi’s needs?
Boaz does not send Ruth home in the dark, but tells her to lie down and sleep. They awaken before the other workers can recognize her, and he tells them not to mention that a woman was even there.
Boaz gives Ruth six ephahs (about six BUSHELS) of grain to take back to Naomi.
G. How do you see faith in Naomi?
After hearing what happened, Naomi tells Ruth to wait patiently, that Boaz will not rest until he accomplishes all he has said.
8. Why did Paige think Naomi’s plan was risky, if not downright outrageous?
It was risky because Boaz could have rejected Ruth, or Ruth might have been hurt or abused.
9. Neither is obligated to the other — how does this scene show “chosen hesed love?”
Ruth is showing hesed for Boaz, but it is also for Naomi. Boaz says her kindness (hesed) is greater than when she came with Naomi to a strange land/people and worked to support her.
Boaz is showing hesed for Ruth when he says yes, he wants to marry her and take care of Naomi, vowing “as the LORD liveth.”
Paige describes it as “hesed pouring out all over,” I love that.
10. How is it a character match?
Both Boaz and Ruth are righteous and worthy, not because of what they do, but because of who they are. Paige says God has “sculpted them together.”
11. What stands out to you from Paige? The passion Paige uses when describing Ruth and Boaz makes the scenes come alive (It’s almost like a romantic book/movie with larger-than-life characters), but Paige has also made it clear these are ordinary people. God is the one behind the scenes steering and sculpting their hearts and lives.
I like that you pointed out Ruth doesn’t ask him if he will but tells him what to do!
Monday: Sculpting Patiently as He Uses the Blotches
2. Review
A. What do you remember about the Surgeon’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 1?
—The surgeon’s hands cut open in order to remove whatever is a problem so it results in pain but they are healing hands as a result of their work.
B. What do you remember about the Shepherd’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 2?
—The Shepherd’s hands are leading hands that guide you where you need to go. They can be trusted.
3. Read Ruth 3:1-5
A. What does Naomi tell Ruth to do and how does she respond?
—She instructs Ruth to wash herself and put on perfume and clean clothes and her cloak. Then go down to the threshing floor where Boaz is and stealthily so no one sees her go and lay by his feet after he has settled in for the night. And then to do whatever he tells her to do. She agrees to follow Naomi’s instructions.
B. How do you see a change in Naomi through her actions?
—She has hope that Boaz will become her kinsman redeemer and take Ruth as his wife. She is wanting it to go well for Ruth so she has a future and is manipulating the circumstances.
4. Why did Paige think this was a crazy scheme?
Sinclair Ferguson imagined an ad Ruth might have placed:
Moabite barren widow seeking a husband who must take in my mother-in-law as well.
—Paige said Naomi was doing something rash and wasn’t wise. It could have resulted in problems for Ruth.
5. How did Paige handle her little daughter, who surprised her by planting all of her flowers together in a tight space? How would you have handled it? How did she reflect the Lord, who is slow to chide and swift to bless?
—Well sad to say but to be perfectly honest I’m afraid I would have corrected what she did and replanted them where I wanted them. I would probably have tried to enlist her help to do it but not accepting the original planting as being good enough could have been discouraging. She said God is patient in his sculpting and takes the blotches we make and forms something beautiful.
6. Share a time when someone did something for you or gave you a gift you didn’t want but your response was pure “hesed” (slow to chide and swift to bless) — or when you failed to love well and regret it.
—I do remember a time when a close friend gave me a yard ornament that was definitely not something I would have chosen. But I love her dearly so I put it in my back yard in a visible place where she saw it from my back patio and my kitchen window. After a couple of years we redid our landscaping and it went away.
Frankly I have a few too many times in my life particularly as a Mom where I didn’t love well in my early years. And I do regret them and I don’t like thinking about them.
I like your yard ornament story. Sharon’s father-in-law, our pastor for two years, said “I receive every gift with thanksgiving and joy, even if I have to bury it in the backyard.”
Haha…Dee! You’d be amazed what was buried in their backyard😜
LOL! 😀
You make me laugh!
Monday: Sculpting Patiently as He Uses the Blotches
2. Review
A. What do you remember about the Surgeon’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 1?
His hands were repairing Naomi’s bitter heart.
B. What do you remember about the Shepherd’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 2?
His hands were leading Ruth and Boaz.
3. Read Ruth 3:1-5
A. What does Naomi tell Ruth to do and how does she respond?
She tells her to take a bath, put on perfume, dress in her nicest clothes and go to where Boaz is lying down, uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.
Ruth tells Naomi that she will do everything she says.
B. How do you see a change in Naomi through her actions?
A hope for the future for her and Ruth…she’s got a plan and we know the Lord directs her steps.
4. Why did Paige think this was a crazy scheme?
Because of all the things that could go wrong with it!
Sinclair Ferguson imagined an ad Ruth might have placed:
Moabite barren widow seeking a husband who must take in my mother-in-law as well.
5. How did Paige handle her little daughter, who surprised her by planting all of her flowers together in a tight space?
She said “thank you!”
How would you have handled it?
I wouldn’t have said “thank you,” but would have probably dug them up and replanted them.
How did she reflect the Lord, who is slow to chide and swift to bless?
She saw that her daughter was just trying to help and responded in love.
6. Share a time when someone did something for you or gave you a gift you didn’t want but your response was pure “hesed” (slow to chide and swift to bless) — or when you failed to love well and regret it.
My youngest grandson bought me a Christmas gift from the school store…it was a monster truck! I immediately gave him a hug, thanked him and we played with it on the floor together. He was so proud of himself!
A monster truck! 🙂
I love that you immediately got on the floor and played with your grandson and the truck.
Such a sweet memory you made with your grandson. He will remember that always!
Monday: Sculpting Patiently as He Uses the Blotches
2. Review
A. What do you remember about the Surgeon’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 1?
The cutting is for our healing. God was using the famine to call His people back to Himself. Their disobedience had resulted in their suffering.
B. What do you remember about the Shepherd’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 2?
God steered, sustained, and sheltered three ordinary people whose lives converged into a beautiful story of return and redemption.
He is steering, sustaining, and sheltering all of the “ordinary” characters weaving the pieces together into a beautiful story of return and redemption.
3. Read Ruth 3:1-5
A. What does Naomi tell Ruth to do and how does she respond?
Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down.
And Ruth responded by saying she would do everything Naomi asked her to do.
B. How do you see a change in Naomi through her actions?
She now saw Ruth’s needs and not just her own. She was thinking of Ruth’s future by way of a husband to provide for her. I thought her idea was crazy and dangerous! Yet, on the other hand, perhaps, Naomi has heard that Boaz is a man of good character and will not take advantage of Ruth. Ruth also lay in a position of lowliness, that is at the feet of Boaz.
4. Why did Paige think this was a crazy scheme?
This could put Ruth in a position where she could have been attacked and her character tarnished. Paige: “Naomi watching “The Bachelor” while Ruth was away. LOL
Sinclair Ferguson imagined an ad Ruth might have placed:
Moabite barren widow seeking a husband who must take in my mother-in-law as well.
5. How did Paige handle her little daughter, who surprised her by planting all of her flowers together in a tight space? How would you have handled it? How did she reflect the Lord, who is slow to chide and swift to bless?
She just said, “Thank you” to her daughter. I would have possibly asked her to help me dig them up and plant them as I wished. Paige did not get upset and was complimentary to her daughter. I would have loved to see her garden when all the vincas were in one spot. I believe her daughter would be beaming. “I did it all by myself! -I could just imagine that sweet voice.
6. Share a time when someone did something for you or gave you a gift you didn’t want but your response was pure “hesed” (slow to chide and swift to bless) — or when you failed to love well and regret it.
I wish I could say I have always loved well and do not have regrets. But I haven’t and do have regrets. Paul comforts me with his words in Philippians “…forgetting what is behind…” I am thankful that God has been giving me opportunities to love well now. It is a journey.
1. Share how the Lord has recently been mindful of you in small or great ways. I stopped at an ATM on my way home from work. It was late and dark and the machine was in the back of the building facing an alley. I can never reach the machine from the car, so I got out to use it. As I was finishing up my business another vehicle pulled up behind me so I quickly got in and drove off a bit before I stopped to put my money away and put on my seat belt. The vehicle behind me beeped their horn, but I wasn’t in their way so I paid no attention. As I was about to turn onto the alley, my car stalled so I had to stop and restart it. At the same time the vehicle beeped its horn again and started to pull up behind me, they hadn’t used the machine so I wasn’t sure what was going on and was kind of hesitant to stick around to find out (I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts, so I already had many bad scenarios in my mind), but I decided to get out and see what they wanted. It turned out that in my rush, I had dropped my ATM card and they wanted to return it to me.
I was so thankful that the Lord brought that honest man right at that time and that my car stalled when it did. I would have spent days looking for my card before reporting it lost and by then it could have fallen into the wrong hands. Anyone who has had to cancel a card knows what a hassle it is to put the new numbers into all of your online accounts.
Wow, that was being led of the His Spirit!
Wow, Dawn, That was God’s intervention for sure! I would have been too scared to even get out of my car. Thanks to the Lord for watching over you and caring about you.
Oh, Dawn! I would have been scared. The Lord was with you! So thankful He prompted you.
Sunday:
1. Share how the Lord has recently been mindful of you in small or great ways. The vacation last week gave a much needed rest and growth to my marriage after much shared pain, sorrow and struggles the past few years. I see a bit of a mirror image, as I think about my life and the struggles and now the healing that is coming -we just studied the same picture in Ruth. Also, this blog continues to give needed fellowship and truth from the Word to direct my path.
Monday: Sculpting Patiently as He Uses the Blotches
2. Review
A. What do you remember about the Surgeon’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 1? God works through painful circumstances in Ruth/Naomi’s lives to bring about heart change in them, but also guiding them in his bigger plan-we can see this in our lives as well (although that bigger plan is often hidden we can trust)
B. What do you remember about the Shepherd’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 2? The shepherd is there guiding Ruth/Naomi to good green grass and cool waters through Boaz. They returned to Him and he is protecting/providing for them. He does the same for us.
Love your praise report — Oh Lord, thank You!
Chris, Good to hear of God’s hand on your life healing and encouraging you. 💕
Thank you. It is good to see the “light” at the end of this very long tunnel. The dark times definitely leave their mark, but I’ve been studying about how the scars of life should be changed into beauty marks by using them to promote the gospel. And so, I’m looking for ways to use the pain for good.
Scars turned into beauty marks…. What a unique way to view them. My thoughts turn to the Lord Jesus and His scarred hands and feet.
Lord bless you Chris, as you continue to put your trust in Him.
Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer for Chris! This is huge. So happy for this wonderful vacation time of rest and growth in your marriage, Chris.
Sunday:
1. Share how the Lord has recently been mindful of you in small or great ways. – God has brought me a great husband. Joe has accepted my boys as his own and recently, and quickly, our lives will be changing. My youngest son, Justin and his wife Jessica and the three kids will be moving in with us in Tennessee. She has had some medical issues that aren’t fully being explained and needs help. I’ve always wondered since they were married if I would ever have a close relationship with Jessica and God has been showing me that it is blossoming. Her mom has not been helpful to her in a time when she needs help. She said to me last week, that she wished I was in Indiana because she knows I would help her with the kids when needed. Our home will be filled with laughter, joy and probably tension, but I know that God will guide all of us on this journey.
Oh Julie, I see the Shepherd’s hands orchestrating events in your life. May the Lord bless you, as you look to Him for guidance in this new chapter of your lives.
Julie, Praying for God’s blessings on your family in the time you will have living together.
What a blessing you will be- all hesed for them.
Oh, Julie! What a wonderful blessing. I pray that the Lord will bless you and Joe and this sweet relationship with Justin, Jessica and their kids.
Monday: Sculpting Patiently as He Uses the Blotches
2. Review
A. What do you remember about the Surgeon’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 1? – A sharp knife can bring destruction in the hands of an evil person, but in God’s hand the knife can be healing to our bodies. God has to be harsh at times to us so we listen and learn. We sometimes bury ourselves in our sorrow and grief and get stuck there. If we don’t pay attention to the tug from God, as he pulls us out of the muck, we will die in our sorrows. His cutting away at our hearts will bring healing and joy back into our heart.
B. What do you remember about the Shepherd’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 2? – To take refuge you are placing yourself in the hands of the shelter. The Shepherd is not covering us he is carrying us. It’s not just to safety it is all the way home. God’s hands are not the destination, they are the transportation. Salvation means nothing without refuge. What a great reminder that God is our safe place. When the world around us seems to be falling down and crashing, we can run to the arms of our Father in heaven, and he will cover us and carry us away to safety.
3. Read Ruth 3:1-5
A. What does Naomi tell Ruth to do and how does she respond? – Naomi is telling Ruth to ready herself and go to Boaz but to do it discreetly and quietly. To wit for that right time and when it comes, to uncover his feet. Ruth obeys and says to Ruth, “All that you say I will do.”
B. How do you see a change in Naomi through her actions? – Naomi is starting to see that she needs to be caring for Ruth, making sure she is ok in this foreign land. Ruth doesn’t know anyone or even what to do. So, Naomi is now taking Ruth under her wing and instructing her and teaching her what to do. At this moment, Naomi is becoming a safe place, a refuge for Ruth.
4. Why did Paige think this was a crazy scheme? – This scheme is not real smart Naomi is putting everything at risk with this plan. Naomi is running ahead and wrecking everything by planning what she thinks should be done. There was no obligation between any of them and they really didn’t know how Boaz felt about Ruth. It could have backfired in a big way. But God comes in and starts to sculpt the scheme, to work His beauty. Because He loves them.
Sinclair Ferguson imagined an ad Ruth might have placed:
Moabite barren widow seeking a husband who must take in my mother-in-law as well.
5. How did Paige handle her little daughter, who surprised her by planting all of her flowers together in a tight space? How would you have handled it? How did she reflect the Lord, who is slow to chide and swift to bless? – Paige praised her for helping and just left the flowers where her daughter planted them. I hope I would have done the same. I have learned that when you ask your kids to do something and they do it, don’t expect it to be exactly as you would have done it. But accept the attempt and leave it and continue to teach them the right way so they will learn. Paige did an excellent job with her daughter. She didn’t get mad, or yell or make her dig them up and redo it. She left them all right where her daughter had planted them.
6. Share a time when someone did something for you or gave you a gift you didn’t want but your response was pure “hesed” (slow to chide and swift to bless) — or when you failed to love well and regret it. – When I had my torn meniscus repaired, I was not able to do anything right away. I’m not one to ask for help quickly and our church/life group put a meal train together for me. I’m grateful they did, but it wasn’t needed, and I felt bad that they were bringing over food, when my mom and husband were able to do it. I accepted it graciously and enjoyed their meals and we had more food than we could eat. I’ve learned to accept the help of others and to not block their blessing from God when they help.
What you said is so important, to accept offered help and not block their blessing.
Oh, Julie. I love your answer to B. The Shepherd is carrying us.
Tuesday: Sculpting Beautifully as He Joins the Pieces
7. Read Ruth 3:6-18
A. Naomi didn’t specifically tell Ruth to lie down “at his feet” but to lie down. Why do you think Ruth chooses to lie at his feet? – I’m not real sure other than to not be tempted with his closeness in other ways. With Ruth being a Moabite, how would she have known this custom or what it meant to uncover Boaz’ feet. She was being very bold to approach him and imply marriage with this action.
B. Naomi also didn’t tell Ruth to say anything, but she does. What does she say? Why might she have chosen to make her intentions clear? – Ruth says that she is his servant, spread your wings over your servant for you are a redeemer. Was it because she felt safe with Boaz and knew he would protect her and didn’t want to lose that?
C. See Ezekiel 16:8. What does the Lord say He did for His people here? What parallel do you see with this passage in Ruth — and what does this teach you about what Boaz may be communicating to Ruth? – “I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God.” Boaz has vowed to take care of Ruth; he has covered her with his garment. Boaz wants to Ruth to know he cares and loves her and will not let anything happen to her. He wants her to feel safe and protected.
D. How can you tell through Boaz’s words and actions that he is pleased? (v. 10-11) – he is praising her for her kindness again and that she didn’t choose anyone else. He tells her to not fear, he will do what is needed. He’s eager to resolve the nearer redeemer.
E. What is his bad news for her, and what is his plan? How do you see his faith here? – he tells her that there is another redeemer nearer to her and if he redeems her that is good, but if he doesn’t Boaz comforts her by letting her know he will take care of her. He is a righteous man and knows that God will take care of it all. I wonder if he has thought about how things just happened to fall into place already and that he knows God has set the steps for them all.
F. How does he protect her and again show that he cares for Naomi’s needs? – he gives Ruth barely in her cloak and is always reassuring her that she does not need to fear. Giving her six measures of barely is for their needs.
G. How do you see faith in Naomi? – Naomi is telling Ruth to just rest and wait. That Boaz being a righteous man will not waste time but will get all things needed lined up and resolved. She says, “for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
8. Why did Paige think Naomi’s plan was risky, if not downright outrageous? – Naomi by putting her plan before seeking God could mess the whole thing up and it could have turned out all wrong. She was risking the outcome of God’s planned steps. Naomi being far from God, was not in line with what has already been happening. She wasn’t seeing God’s hands all over the journey.
9. Neither is obligated to the other — how does this scene show “chosen hesed love?” – Boaz accepts the actions of Ruth and confirms it by telling her not to fear. He has had his eyes on Ruth from the first minute he saw her in his fields.
10. How is it a character match? – Jesus is now sculpting Boaz and Ruth together. Only the Lord knew what he was doing. The creator knows how the little parts will all fit together. Together they will fit beautifully more than they would alone. Hesed and holiness make them fit together. We don’t know what they look like, but their hearts are the same. They both have the heart of God. We can control our effort and our attitudes. God calls us to our hesed, and our holiness and it is more action pouring out and standing out. Boaz and Ruth stood out with both of these. God sculpts the whole picture not just bits and pieces.
11. What stands out to you from Paige? – How detailed our lives our and that God has put all my steps in place. Just like Naomi and Ruth, he directed their path out of Moab and back to Bethlehem. He placed Ruth in the fields of the one redeemer that He wanted Ruth to be in. We can’t see the whole picture, but God already knows the end. We need to just follow his lead in faith and trust that God knows best.
12. What if someone was not so wise in choosing a mate? How can the Lord still use it for good? – God can change the hearts of everyone. Eyes can be opened, and minds can gain wisdom. He turns our trials into joy. Nothing is impossible with the Lord. He can show his glory, power and might through a wrong choice.
Tuesday: Sculpting Beautifully as He Joins the Pieces
7. Read Ruth 3:6-18
A. Naomi didn’t specifically tell Ruth to lie down “at his feet” but to lie down. Why do you think Ruth chooses to lie at his feet?
—I think because she had a good sense of modesty and propriety to not lie down beside him under his cloak which would have been a more suggestive way of making herself “available” to him.
B. Naomi also didn’t tell Ruth to say anything, but she does. What does she say? Why might she have chosen to make her intentions clear?
—From what Paige said Ruth was clearly asking Boaz what his intentions were as to whether he was going to act as the kinsman redeemer for Naomi and take her as his wife.
—I think she was just carrying through on her own character to be a virtuous woman or worthy woman as Boaz called her. She was doing the “right” thing.
C. See Ezekiel 16:8. What does the Lord say He did for His people here? What parallel do you see with this passage in Ruth — and what does this teach you about what Boaz may be communicating to Ruth?
—The Lord saw Israel like Boaz saw Ruth at a time to be ready for marriage and the Lord spread his garment over Israel and committed to take her as his bride just as Boaz did with Ruth.
—It would seem he was affirming his love and respect for her.
D. How can you tell through Boaz’s words and actions that he is pleased? (v. 10-11)
—He spoke blessing (a prayer) over her and acknowledged her virtues.
E. What is his bad news for her, and what is his plan? How do you see his faith here?
—Boaz was not the closest relative to Naomi and Ruth so he would for the sake of integrity have to give the first man his opportunity to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth. He immediately went to go through what protocol was necessary to obtain his right to be the redeemer. He promised Ruth if the other man was not willing to be the redeemer then he himself would be the one.
F. How does he protect her and again show that he cares for Naomi’s needs?
—He instructs her on how to discreet and not be discovered on the threshing floor which was a place for men. Then he sends her home with a load of barley to be given to Naomi.
G. How do you see faith in Naomi?
—After hearing what had transpired between Boaz and Ruth she instructed Ruth to wait because she knew Boaz was going to work it all out.
8. Why did Paige think Naomi’s plan was risky, if not downright outrageous?
—Sending Ruth out at night to the threshing floor she was risking an encounter with men who could have assaulted her or being seen so that it would have compromised her reputation of being a worthy woman.
9. Neither is obligated to the other — how does this scene show “chosen hesed love?”
—Ruth was making it known she was willing to choose him over the options of younger men. I’m sure he won her heart the moment he called her “Daughter” the very first time instead of referring to her as Ruth the Moabite. He totally ignored her “foreigner” status. And he practiced not only respect but generosity. Here he blesses her and practices generosity towards her and Naomi again.
10. How is it a character match?
—Both practiced integrity, kindness and seeking the other persons good.
11. What stands out to you from Paige?
—Way too much to relate here. 😊
She is amazing in her ability to take and make application of biblical truth from the humanity of Bible characters that God used and help us see in our own lives this God, our God is the same One moving and working on our behalf in our very own lives.
12. What if someone was not so wise in choosing a mate? How can the Lord still use it for good?
— I have lived long enough to see God redeem some pretty hard marriage situations for good. One of the things I have observed is that God often refines the character of the partner in a marriage who lives with an unbeliever or a difficult person. And over time God seems to soften the difficult one or remove them for the good of the believer.
Anyone who commits to letting God lead will find He really does sculpt the blotches in our lives for our good.
I liked this Bev: —I think because she had a good sense of modesty and propriety to not lie down beside him under his cloak which would have been a more suggestive way of making herself “available” to him.
I get a little crazy with the commentators who accuse them of sexual impropriety. Not many — but there are some. They miss the whole point of Ruth!
Wednesday: The City Gate
13. Read Ruth 4:1-9
A. Who is the first at the gate and “just then” who happens by? Boaz is there first, and then the other kinsman walks by.
B. Paige said “my friend” is not accurate — better would be “Hey you.” Why you do think this kinsman-redeemer is the only one without a name in the book of Ruth?
Because this man is inconsequential to the story, although the very existence of him adds another element to the events taking place.
C. How does Boaz make the offer as unattractive as possible?
He makes sure to mention that Ruth is a Moabite, and that whoever redeems the land must marry her and have children with her. The firstborn would then be the heir and have the birthright.
D. How is Joe Schmoe a foil to Boaz and Orpah to Ruth?
Joe and Orpah are the opposite of Boaz and Ruth in character and actions. Ruth stayed with Naomi, in spite of Naomi’s apparent rejection (Orpah left) and lived in submission to Naomi after that.
Boaz was delighted to have Ruth as a bride, wanting to care for her and Naomi. Joe declined the opportunity to redeem the land as soon as he heard that taking Ruth, too, was part of the obligation.
E. How does Boaz respond when Joe Schmoe refuses the offer?
Paige says “he jumps” at the chance to be the redeemer. Before he started the conversation with Joe, Boaz had assembled ten elders to witness the transaction. He is wasting no time. Once Joe refused the offer, Boaz proclaims his intentions publicly :
9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.
10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
14. Boaz is not obligated to be a kinsman-redeemer. Parallel with Jesus?
The parallel is Hesed love that he, Boaz, offers himself freely as Jesus offered Himself. Boaz has all the ability to fulfill the needs of Ruth and Naomi, but no obligation to do so. Jesus has all the ability to save, but no obligation to do so.
The difference I see is that Ruth approached Boaz (at the threshing floor), but the Lord seeks us out.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
15. Paige said God loves His people as Ruth loved Naomi and Boaz loved Ruth. Name a few things you see. Faithfulness, total commitment, unconditional love, a desire to sustain and protect, a life of service; these are all things that Ruth and Boaz showed, and it’s how the Lord loves His Own.
16. What else stood out from Paige? Hesed and holiness, love and action. Paige said the real question we need to ask is, Lord, what should I do?”, what is the right thing to do, not “what can I do.” Many times I’ve heard someone say, “Well, I can’t do anything about that situation,” but if you are a believer you can always PRAY about it, and then you might be shown something you need to do.
So good from Cheryl:
“Well, I can’t do anything about that situation,” but if you are a believer you can always PRAY about it, and then you might be shown something you need to do.
6. Share a time when someone did something for you or gave you a gift you didn’t want but your response was pure “hesed” (slow to chide and swift to bless) — or when you failed to love well and regret it.
My second oldest son recently gave me a book to complete about myself. I appreciate that he wants to know about me but ugh….more to do! I accepted it well. I will eventually get to the writing 😉
7. Read Ruth 3:6-18
A. Naomi didn’t specifically tell Ruth to lie down “at his feet” but to lie down. Why do you think Ruth chooses to lie at his feet?
All the versions I checked imply that she is laying at his feet.
I’m not sure? Maybe she feels awkward laying near his face? Maybe it’s a respect thing? Maybe she is afraid he will reject her so she doesn’t want to be too close to him?
B. Naomi also didn’t tell Ruth to say anything, but she does. What does she say?
She tells him to spread the covering over her, as he is her kinsman redeemer.
Why might she have chosen to make her intentions clear?
Probably so there would be absolutely no confusion of what she wanted (for her MIL).
C. See Ezekiel 16:8. What does the Lord say He did for His people here?
He wrapped His cloak around them and married them.
What parallel do you see with this passage in Ruth — and what does this teach you about what Boaz may be communicating to Ruth?
He wants to take care of her. He wants to marry her.
D. How can you tell through Boaz’s words and actions that he is pleased? (v. 10-11)
He blesses her and reflects that she is continuing to show her loyalty to Naomi’s family.
E. What is his bad news for her, and what is his plan? How do you see his faith here?
He tells her of a man who has the right to her before he does. He plans to go to him and ask what he wants to do in front of the village people. He believes God will provide.
F. How does he protect her and again show that he cares for Naomi’s needs?
He makes sure she leaves before people know she is with him and he gives her grain for Naomi.
G. How do you see faith in Naomi?
She tells Ruth to be patient. She has faith that it will all work out.
3. Read Ruth 3:1-5
A. What does Naomi tell Ruth to do and how does she respond? To get cleaned up and go to Boaz in the night and lie down at his feet and wait for him to tell her what to do. Ruth says she will.
B. How do you see a change in Naomi through her actions? She has begun to take notice of the needs around her and what she can do.
4. Why did Paige think this was a crazy scheme? The impropriety of it all.
Sinclair Ferguson imagined an ad Ruth might have placed:
Moabite barren widow seeking a husband who must take in my mother-in-law as well.
5. How did Paige handle her little daughter, who surprised her by planting all of her flowers together in a tight space? How would you have handled it? How did she reflect the Lord, who is slow to chide and swift to bless? She responded with hesed- I definitely would have responded with a lesson on how to plant flowers LOL.
6. Share a time when someone did something for you or gave you a gift you didn’t want but your response was pure “hesed” (slow to chide and swift to bless) — or when you failed to love well and regret it. I think of all the gifts from my little grandchildren that just go in the trash, but are really from their hearts. The little scribbled notes and wilted wild flowers and dandelions. I do appreciate their hearts and definitely respond with hesed.
How I remember picking dandelions for my mother who also expressed delight. 🙂 However, when I picked tulips from our neighbor’s garden for my kindergarten teacher, I did not get the same response.
Haha. I’m sure the tulips were prized. I purposely plant Zinnias in my garden for the kids to pick. They love picking flowers and I love fostering their giving hearts. 💕
7. Read Ruth 3:6-18
A. Naomi didn’t specifically tell Ruth to lie down “at his feet” but to lie down. Why do you think Ruth chooses to lie at his feet? Honestly, I have no ideas, but it seems less inappropriate to lie at his feet.
B. Naomi also didn’t tell Ruth to say anything, but she does. What does she say? Why might she have chosen to make her intentions clear? She announces herself as Ruth, your servant and asks him to spread his wings over her as her redeemer. I’m sure that she wanted to let him know she had no ill intent-such a crazy scheme.
C. See Ezekiel 16:8. What does the Lord say He did for His people here? What parallel do you see with this passage in Ruth — and what does this teach you about what Boaz may be communicating to Ruth? Oh, wow. I have never read this passage. The covering of nakedness with the corner of the garment to show belonging. Must have been a cultural understanding about this, and Boaz was willing to accept this from Ruth.
D. How can you tell through Boaz’s words and actions that he is pleased? (v. 10-11) He compliments Ruth for not going after younger women and acknowledges her good reputation and his willingness to accept responsibility for her.
E. What is his bad news for her, and what is his plan? How do you see his faith here? There is another redeemer closer that he must offer her to first. Boaz trusts the Lord for the outcome and does what is right-Like his mother that way.
F. How does he protect her and again show that he cares for Naomi’s needs? He has Ruth stay until morning and then leave before anyone would notice her and then gives her food to take home to Naomi.
G. How do you see faith in Naomi? Naomi trusts the matter will be settled before sundown.
8. Why did Paige think Naomi’s plan was risky, if not downright outrageous? This sort of thing was just not done.
9. Neither is obligated to the other — how does this scene show “chosen hesed love?” Clearly the Lord is leading them as Boaz makes note that she could have from chosen younger men, and he is not obligated to take her but chooses to go out of his way to do the right thing.
10. How is it a character match? Both of them are choosing to please the Lord with their actions.
11. What stands out to you from Paige? Paige always brings out the faithfulness and goodness of God.
12. What if someone was not so wise in choosing a mate? How can the Lord still use it for good? As we have been learning, God uses pain to bring us to him. My mother-in-law and my step-mom, crazy enough, both came to my husband and I at different times, and asked our opinion about divorce. Both of them had been divorced once. We responded in both cases that leaning in to God was better than divorce and they both remained married. In the end, both were happy with their decision and it was obvious that good fruit came of it.
That’s quite a divorce story!
Tuesday: Sculpting Beautifully as He Joins the Pieces
7. Read Ruth 3:6-18
A. Naomi didn’t specifically tell Ruth to lie down “at his feet” but to lie down. Why do you think Ruth chooses to lie at his feet?
I think it is what Naomi instructed her to do in verse 4…”uncover his feet and lie down there.”
B. Naomi also didn’t tell Ruth to say anything, but she does. What does she say?
“Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”
Why might she have chosen to make her intentions clear?
So her intentions would not be construed any other way.
C. See Ezekiel 16:8. What does the Lord say He did for His people here?
When He saw they were old enough for love He wrapped His cloak around them to cover their nakedness and declare His marriage vows. He made a covenant with them and they became His.
What parallel do you see with this passage in Ruth — and what does this teach you about what Boaz may be communicating to Ruth?
Ruth asking Boaz to spread the corner of his covering over her.
Boaz was communicating that he loved her and wanted a covenant relationship.
D. How can you tell through Boaz’s words and actions that he is pleased? (v. 10-11)
By telling Ruth she is showing more family loyalty now than she was before by not going after a younger man, whether rich or poor. And not to worry as he will do what is necessary for everyone in town to know she is virtuous women.
E. What is his bad news for her, and what is his plan?
His bad news…there’s a man who is more closely related to her than he is.
How do you see his faith here?
He knows there business to attend to, laws to abide by and he immediately goes to take care of it and trusting that God will work it out.
F. How does he protect her and again show that he cares for Naomi’s needs?
He tells her to lie down til morning and then in the morning before it got light when she is going to leave he fills her cloak with 6 scoops of barley and tells her she can’t return to Naomi empty handed.
G. How do you see faith in Naomi?
She tells Ruth to be patient and that Boaz won’t rest until all is settled.
8. Why did Paige think Naomi’s plan was risky, if not downright outrageous?
Because of all the things that could wrong. A young single woman all ‘gussied up,” going out at night all alone and on top of that it was during the time of the judges!
9. Neither is obligated to the other — how does this scene show “chosen hesed love?”
They are both putting the needs of the other over their own.
10. How is it a character match?
They are both upright and people of integrity.
11. What stands out to you from Paige?
How is the plan going to come together? How is “it” all going to work out? We say “it”…how is “it” going to take shape? “It” is not going to take shape…the Lord is going to shape it! Wrong translation of Roman 8:28, “All things work together for good,”. ..”things” don’t work, God works all things together for good to those who love Him…! The Lord is shaping this out.
12. What if someone was not so wise in choosing a mate? How can the Lord still use it for good?
God works all things together for good to those who love Him. I’m trusting God to do this in my daughter’s life right now.
Sharon,
Your using the phrase “all gussied up” makes me smile. My husband Terry is the only other person I know that uses those same words. 😀
1. Share how the Lord has recently been mindful of you in small or great ways.
I have been so sick for the past two weeks. My immune system is not used to this icy cold weather. How I Praise God that I have finally turned a corner and I am getting better. I have been depressed with the sickness, and even more isolated. I thank God for His healing hand. He is the great physician.
Oh Patti, So sorry to hear you have been sick and isolated. We are so vulnerable emotionally when physically sick. I pray for your healing and your encouragement. Isaiah 41:10
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.
Oh sweet Patti…I’m so sorry you have been sick too, no fun at all! I praise God with you that you have turned the corner and will continue to keep you in my prayers❤️😊
Dear Lord, I pray in agreement with Bev and Sharon. Thank you for Your healing hands and loving heart towards Patti.
Thank you all for your sweet prayers. I so love and appreciate all of you!
2/19/25 9:29 am
THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE, WE WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT.
Dee and I are trying to sole a problem, that’s the reason for this note. Have a blessed day, sisters.
2. Review
A. What do you remember about the Surgeon’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 1?
The Surgeon’s hands can cut and afflict for ultimate healing. God allows and administers that pain for our ultimate good.
B. What do you remember about the Shepherd’s Hidden Hands from Ruth 2?
The Shepherd’s hands are steering, externally and internally governing and guiding.
3. Read Ruth 3:1-5
A. What does Naomi tell Ruth to do and how does she respond?
Naomi tells Ruth to bathe, anoint herself, and put on her best garment. She is to go to the threshing floor, but not make herself known until Boaz is done eating and drinking. Then she is to go in and uncover his feet and lie down.
B. How do you see a change in Naomi through her actions?
Naomi was looking out for her daughter in law; her heart was softening toward her and she was seeking to help her daughter in law.
4. Why did Paige think this was a crazy scheme?
It seems like a plan that could have gone bad; Boaz may have been offended or attacked Ruth. Since it was the time of Judges, women were not treated well.
Sinclair Ferguson imagined an ad Ruth might have placed:
Moabite barren widow seeking a husband who must take in my mother-in-law as well.
5. How did Paige handle her little daughter, who surprised her by planting all of her flowers together in a tight space? How would you have handled it? How did she reflect the Lord, who is slow to chide and swift to bless?
Paige smiled and said “thank you” they are beautiful! She left the garden bed that way for the whole season. I love the way she handled it. Children have such tender hearts and it was the perfect response. I might have been tempted to move some, but it would have spoiled the joy for her daughter. As it is, she made a beautiful and sweet memory. I wonder if they laugh about it together now.
6. Share a time when someone did something for you or gave you a gift you didn’t want but your response was pure “hesed” (slow to chide and swift to bless) — or when you failed to love well and regret it.
I have received some “yard gifts” that I was not crazy about, but I thanked the gift giver and enjoyed the gift. On a couple of occasions, I later moved them. I was always cautious about gifts from my husband. They might not have been my taste, but his heart was in the right place and that meant the world to me. I know I have had moments when I failed to love well. I pray that I can always filter my thoughts before they come out of my mouth. There are no re-runs when I have failed to love well, the regret last forever.
Salvation is an individual and personal matter, I’m thankful you mentioned this, Bev.
That’s 3 of us that received yard gifts we didn’t like! 🙂 But we all used them for a while.
Wednesday: The City Gate
13. Read Ruth 4:1-9
A. Who is the first at the gate and “just then” who happens by?
—Boaz was the first to go up to the gate which was a gathering place of the men and the place where they were coming and going. Then the first man in line to be Naomi’s redeemer came walking by. This was of course God’s hand steering and moving the circumstances.
B. Paige said “my friend” is not accurate — better would be “Hey you.” Why you do think this kinsman-redeemer is the only one without a name in the book of Ruth?
—I get the impression from Paige it is because he is someone who didn’t really matter in this story. He had no real interest in Naomi let alone Ruth the Moabite woman. He is someone who just simply needed to be moved out of the picture for God’s plans to be carried out. He did not qualify for what God was doing in this story but Boaz certainly did.
C. How does Boaz make the offer as unattractive as possible?
—When he told Joe Schmo that in the deal he would be required to marry Ruth Boaz called her the Moabite woman. That was a term Boaz had never used in referring to Ruth. Also in marrying Ruth if she had a son by him that son would have the first rights of inheritance to Naomi’s land he would redeem and to his own personal inheritance. It got complicated quickly for him.
D. How is Joe Schmoe a foil to Boaz and Orpah to Ruth?
—Joe Schmoe stood in the road of Boaz being able to serve as the redeemer according to God’s plan.
I am not sure where Orpha is concerned as to the specifics because it doesn’t specify clearly but I’m guessing Orpha was married to the older son of Elimelech and Naomi which would have put her first in line to be taken in marriage by the kinsman redeemer. But Ruth was God’s choice in his plan for the lineage of his ultimate Redeemer Jesus.
E. How does Boaz respond when Joe Schmoe refuses the offer?
—He was already prepared by having the ten elders present to hear and witness the business dealing with Joel Schmoe He then made his intentions clear once it was verified the offer had been refused that he would buy Naomi’s land and marry Ruth.
14. Boaz is not obligated to be a kinsman-redeemer. Parallel with Jesus?
—Boaz was choosing to take on the life changing full responsibility of being a kinsman redeemer. He was Godly and obedient to provide a way of rescue for Naomi and Ruth. He had a heart of hesed and loved them demonstrating it by his self giving actions.
Jesus out of his hesed became our kinsman redeemer when he took on flesh like us and sacrificed Himself to set us free from sin and death.
15. Paige said God loves His people as Ruth loved Naomi and Boaz loved Ruth. Name a few things you see.
—Paige said the book of Ruth is all about Naomi and how God brings her into fullness of love and life because of hesed. God’s hesed for her and Ruth living hesed in the life of Naomi.
Boaz practiced hesed toward Ruth in his unconditional love and acceptance of her and in providing protection and provision for her needs. Ultimately he took her to be his own by redeeming and marrying her. A picture of what Jesus has done for us.
16. What else stood out from Paige?
—A couple of thoughts.
She points out that we were all outsiders and God brought us into his hesed.
We love Him because He first loved us.
And:
God’s heart for his people. For his individual people.
—I think it is easy to forget that salvation is not applied to the masses or even to a group of people. Rather it is a very individual and personal matter where God is concerned with each person in their need of Him. And He loves us for who we are as we are and the relationship He seeks to have with us is intimate and one on one.
Love the individual aspect of salvation!
I am thankful that you mentioned that, Bev, so important to remember.
Tuesday: Sculpting Beautifully as He Joins the Pieces
7. Read Ruth 3:6-18
A. Naomi didn’t specifically tell Ruth to lie down “at his feet” but to lie down. Why do you think Ruth chooses to lie at his feet?
This shows Ruth’s humility as this location is a picture of a servant’s submission.
A posture of lowliness or as a servant.
B. Naomi also didn’t tell Ruth to say anything, but she does. What does she say? Why might she have chosen to make her intentions clear?
She asked Boaz to spread the corner of his garment over her- to cover her as he is a kinsman-redeemer for her and indirectly (?) to Naomi. Paige said, Ruth asked Boaz to marry her!
C. See Ezekiel 16:8. What does the Lord say He did for His people here? What parallel do you see with this passage in Ruth — and what does this teach you about what Boaz may be communicating to Ruth?
He passed by and saw Jerusalem’s ‘nakedness” and covered her with His wings” and entered a covenant with her to claim her as His own.
He is willing to do what Ruth is asking for although he is not obligated to do so.
D. How can you tell through Boaz’s words and actions that he is pleased? (v. 10-11)
He commended her for her kindness in choosing Boaz rather than other men. He also showed her admiration for her character.
E. What is his bad news for her, and what is his plan? How do you see his faith here?
Boaz is not the first in-line kinsman redeemer. He planned to follow the law of the land but offered her himself if the first-in-line kinsman redeemer would not redeem her. His faith showed that no matter what Ruth will be taken care of.
F. How does he protect her and again show that he cares for Naomi’s needs?
He told his men not to say anything about Ruth being at the threshing floor and he also sent a generous amount of barley home with Ruth to provide for her and Naomi. That is a token of his magnanimous intent and a foreshadowing of Boaz’s generosity later to Ruth and Naomi.
I thought of the Holy Spirit as a deposit that we have been given once we received Jesus. And there is more to come! “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
G. How do you see faith in Naomi?
She was certain Boaz would carry through what he had promised TODAY! There is not much waiting around.
8. Why did Paige think Naomi’s plan was risky, if not downright outrageous?
Both Ruth and Boaz do not have any obligations to her to follow through with this idea.
9. Neither is obligated to the other — how does this scene show “chosen hesed love?”
Ruth and Boaz showed selflessness and unconditional love.
10. How is it a character match?
Long before Boaz and Ruth met, their character had already been steered by the hand of God. Their natural responses come as an outflow of their love for God and others. Buoyed by the Spirit, I sensed confidence in how both went with the flow to accomplish something greater than what they could have done individually.
11. What stands out to you from Paige?
The Sculptor’s hands are working to join the pieces together beautifully.
He makes all things beautiful in His time. Ecclesiastes 3
12. What if someone was not so wise in choosing a mate? How can the Lord still use it for good?
They would perhaps suffer from the consequences of their choosing, but I believe God is sovereign despite our blotches as Paige has said. He works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.
13. Read Ruth 4:1-9
A. Who is the first at the gate and “just then” who happens by?
Boaz is the first and the family redeemer passes by.
B. Paige said “my friend” is not accurate — better would be “Hey you.” Why you do think this kinsman-redeemer is the only one without a name in the book of Ruth?
He’s a coward? He isn’t a true believer in God; he lacks faith that God will provide no matter what. She is a Moabite woman who could cause him trouble.
C. How does Boaz make the offer as unattractive as possible?
He adds Naomi to the offer, along with Ruth!
D. How is Joe Schmoe a foil to Boaz and Orpah to Ruth?
Wednesday: The City Gate
13. Read Ruth 4:1-9
A. Who is the first at the gate and “just then” who happens by?
Boaz is the first at the gate and the family redeemer he mentioned to Ruth came by.
B. Paige said “my friend” is not accurate — better would be “Hey you.” Why you do think this kinsman-redeemer is the only one without a name in the book of Ruth?
He was made anonymous on purpose as he was not part of the big picture of God’s plan in this story.
C. How does Boaz make the offer as unattractive as possible?
By telling “so and so” that, “oh, by the way, if you want to purchase the land from Naomi, it also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow so she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”
D. How is Joe Schmoe a foil to Boaz and Orpah to Ruth?
He was in the way of Boaz being able to immediately become the kinsman-redeemer.
E. How does Boaz respond when Joe Schmoe refuses the offer?
“So and so” handed his sandal to Boaz which was the custom to publicly validate the transaction and Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd, “You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of her husband and sons and with the land I have acquired Ruth to be my wife.”
14. Boaz is not obligated to be a kinsman-redeemer. Parallel with Jesus?
Ruth had a need and Boaz went running to the city gate to take care of that need. We’re the ones with all of the needs and He comes running , the Father says of Him, He will not rest until this matter is settled, just like Boaz. What do the Lord’s hands mean for Him? To be the servants hands He has to take on every one of our diseases. In order to be the Shepherds hands He has to be the sacrificial Lamb. In order to be the Sculptors hands he has to take not just every blemish but every mark, every ugliness and He is destroyed by that so that He may recreate us in His beauty and His image. It cost Him…EVERYTHING! He is never working with non scared hands. What is the price for Him to be these things for us…all of Him! What does He get for it…Me, that’s it. He knows what it cost.
15. Paige said God loves His people as Ruth loved Naomi and Boaz loved Ruth. Name a few things you see.
Ruth gave up her homeland and family to follow Naomi.
Ruth provided for Naomi.
Boaz accepted Ruth to work in his field as a foreigner.
Boaz provided and protected Ruth.
16. What else stood out from Paige?
So beautiful from Paige and Sharon!
What do the Lord’s hands mean for Him? To be the servants hands He has to take on every one of our diseases. In order to be the Shepherds hands He has to be the sacrificial Lamb. In order to be the Sculptors hands he has to take not just every blemish but every mark, every ugliness and He is destroyed by that so that He may recreate us in His beauty and His image. It cost Him…EVERYTHING! He is never working with non scared hands. What is the price for Him to be these things for us…all of Him! What does He get for it…Me, that’s it. He knows what it cost.
I do love this.
Wednesday: The City Gate
13. Read Ruth 4:1-9
A. Who is the first at the gate and “just then” who happens by? Boaz is there first, then Joe Schmoe
B. Paige said “my friend” is not accurate — better would be “Hey you.” Why you do think this kinsman-redeemer is the only one without a name in the book of Ruth? To set apart his unimportance.
C. How does Boaz make the offer as unattractive as possible? He adds that Ruth the Moabite would be included-he doesn’t say anything about how he knows her reputation to be one who follows the Lord and seeking to help her MIL. Clearly, the generally accepted connotation of the Moabites was negative and she would be perceived as a liability.
D. How is Joe Schmoe a foil to Boaz and Orpah to Ruth? It seems that Joe and Orpah would both stand in the way of the inheritance.
E. How does Boaz respond when Joe Schmoe refuses the offer? He announces to all present, in clear terms, his purchase of the land and taking Ruth and Naomi under his care.
14. Boaz is not obligated to be a kinsman-redeemer. Parallel with Jesus? Boaz had no obligation to take on Naomi/Ruth, though it was a cultural method of maintaining a family name/property. When Boaz acquires them, it is a liability, but makes him happy. Jesus has no obligation to redeem us from our sin, his redemption plan causes him much suffering, but gives him joy to save us. Paige says so much more.
15. Paige said God loves His people as Ruth loved Naomi and Boaz loved Ruth. Name a few things you see. The love that only the Spirit can cause in us. The love that draws Ruth to follow Naomi and that drew Boaz to Ruth, is the same love that drew Christ to love us and us to follow him.
16. What else stood out from Paige? She mentions speaking to college students and in their search for a path in life, she keeps telling them they are asking the wrong questions. It’s not about the particulars but WHY they are pursuing something. Ruth and Boaz pursue what is right. We need to as well.
Yes — to set apart his unimportance!
Thursday/Friday: Zoom In and Zoom Out
17. Read Ruth 4:11-12
What are the people of Bethlehem asking God to do through Ruth by comparing her to Rachel, Leah, and Tamar? What did you learn from Paige?
To be as Rachel and Leah, is to be a faithful and fruitful wife, having many children (unlike Sarah and Rebecca).Paige said, to be as Tamar, is to be grafted in from an unlikely place, may Ruth be grafted in and become a mother in Israel. They are giving Ruth a blessing.Then they bless Boaz, that he would continue to prosper and be famous in Bethlehem.Next comes a blessing on their union, that their marriage would be established and continue as the line of Judah and Tamar has lasted.
18. Find all the ways God personally blessed Naomi.He gave her Ruth as companion in travel and a loving/supportive DIL, friendship of old friends in Bethlehem, provided food thru Ruth’s work and Boaz’s kindness, Boaz became her kinsman redeemer providing security for the rest of her life, she was given another son to love.
19. What do the women of Bethlehem say about Ruth? Significance of seven sons?
They say that Ruth has been better to Naomi than seven sons.Seven is the number of perfection in the Bible, having seven sons would have made for a “perfect” family, and Naomi would not have had a care in the world with them taking care of her.These women are saying that Ruth is even better than that.
Paige pointed out that everything that has happened was done for the restoration of Naomi. I love how Paige said that Naomi wasn’t part of Ruth and Boaz’s natural family (no blood ties), but she was part of their “hesed family.”
19. Significance of Ruth beginning “In the days of Judges” and ending with “David.”
Through this one story Israel has gone from no king to the greatest king, David.They go from despair and serious rebellion to the ultimate king and blessed as a nation. The author of Ruth has zoomed out and made connections to Israel’s future.
When we zoom out farther we see the fields that Ruth and Boaz walked in Bethlehem, are the same fields where David tended sheep, are the same fields the angelic host appeared to shepherds announcing: the hidden hands have become human hands, a Savior is born.
I read this morning in a devotional, “The Son of God became the Son of man, so the sons of men could become the sons of God.”
We know that the book of Ruth points to Jesus.
The future opens up from the faithful, small-scale actions of three ordinary people, each serving the needs, spoken and unspoken, of the other.
Ralph Davis
20. Comments on the above — and how this might relate to your life?
The things I do seem very ordinary to me, nothing special or worthy of notice, it’s just who I am. I am seeing more and more that what I do is making an impact on people around me, but I want to say (and sometimes do say!), “it’s not me, it’s Jesus in me.” As I surrender to Him and obey Him, He uses me to be His hands.
Remembering the past is also important to my life today. “I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.”Corrie tenBoom
I liked too that Naomi was part of the hesed family. Our blood ties in Christ may be stronger than our biological blood ties.
Wednesday: The City Gate
13. Read Ruth 4:1-9
A. Who is the first at the gate and “just then” who happens by? – Boaz was at the gate first and it just so happened that the redeemer who Boaz needed to speak to came walking by.
B. Paige said “my friend” is not accurate — better would be “Hey you.” Why do you think this kinsman-redeemer is the only one without a name in the book of Ruth? – I’m thinking he was just not important or maybe wasn’t well liked. He could have been the complete opposite of Boaz and was not a righteous man.
C. How does Boaz make the offer as unattractive as possible? – He makes sure the redeemer knows that Ruth is a Moabite widow and that he would have to also take her and keep her name going with the children that come.
D. How is Joe Schmoe a foil to Boaz and Orpah to Ruth? – I think that Joe Schmoe is a foil to Boaz because he could have bought the land from Naomi and ruined the plan that Boaz thought he had set in place, but God had the plan placed before them. I’m not sure about Orpah though. She stayed behind in Moab so not sure how she fits in as being a foil to Ruth.
E. How does Boaz respond when Joe Schmoe refuses the offer? – Boaz immediately says he will buy the land from Naomi and all that comes along with it . And he would make Ruth his wife and perpetuate the name of the dead so they would not be cut off.
14. Boaz is not obligated to be a kinsman-redeemer. Parallel with Jesus? – Jesus didn’t have to take on our sins. He didn’t have to go to the cross and take our place. But because he loves us, and loves his Father, he did what was needed to be done. Jesus put aside his position and made himself lower than us to bear our cross. Like Boaz, he didn’t care that Ruth’s children would inherit the land and possessions. His love for Ruth outweighed that in his mind.
15. Paige said God loves His people as Ruth loved Naomi and Boaz loved Ruth. Name a few things you see. – Each put aside themselves and just freely loved and cared for the other. They didn’t expect anything in return, they did it because they are righteous. Ruth and Boaz love like Jesus loves.
16. What else stood out from Paige? – I thought this was really good and eye opening…Jesus has all the ability to take on our obligations. To be the surgeon’s hands he has to take on all our diseases. It cost Jesus everything. He is always working with scarred hands. Jesus lost everything to claim us as His own.
Thursday/Friday: Zoom In and Zoom Out
17. Read Ruth 4:11-12
What are the people of Bethlehem asking God to do through Ruth by comparing her to Rachel, Leah, and Tamar? What did you learn from Paige? – They are asking God to bless her and build up the house of Israel. Paige pointed out that Ruth must have been barren since she was married before for 10 years. And now she bore a son. This ‘new’ son is a redeemer baby. He will nourish and protect.
18. Find all the ways God personally blessed Naomi. – She was cared for by Ruth. Boaz became her redeemer when he bought her land. Her heart was filled with joy again and she recognized the goodness of the Lord, that he never left her. She was restored with birth of Obed.
19. What do the women of Bethlehem say about Ruth? Significance of seven sons? – They told Naomi that Ruth is love her and is more than seven sons to her. The only thing I thought of about seven was completion, fullness. That the cycle of barrenness is over. The Lord blessed Ruth with a son at the time He wanted her to have one.
19. Significance of Ruth beginning “In the days of Judges” and ending with “David.” – What I see is that at a time of chaos and people doing whatever they wanted, no thought or care of anyone else, God was still watching and putting his plan in place. He showed everyone that His Kingdom reigns even in the chaos. It started out in a mess and ended up with a king. God works in all things to show his glory.
The future opens up from the faithful, small-scale actions of three ordinary people, each serving the needs, spoken and unspoken, of the other. – Ralph Davis
20. Comments on the above — and how this might relate to your life? – What we do as a single, individual person, may not seem like a big deal. But our actions play a big part in the whole picture that we cannot see. God puts his artistry to work in what we do, for ourselves and for others. If we miss our part, I believe God’s plan will still be done, but he will use the one who listens to that still small voice, and it may slow down the steps. In my life right now, I don’t know how it will work out with Justin and Jessica and the kids coming down to Tennessee to live, but God does. We are opening up our home, changing the dynamics of our life and open to what God has planned. I’m excited to see the outcome.
So it the whole family moving in with you? How old are the children?
Yes Dee, my youngest son, his wife and 3 kids 7, 5 and almost 2. And possibly 2 small dogs on top of our own dog.
A house filled with love!
Saturday:
21. Write down 3 things you would really like God to press into your heart from this series on Ruth. – 1. I would like God to press into my heart to be aware of those around me, to put them first and care for those who are weary. 2. Though there will be chaos and unsettling things in this world, I need to remember that God is watching and putting His plan in place and in His time, it will be revealed. 3. I need to more willingly accept the hesed love from others without thinking I’m a burden to them in some way. To accept the blessing and allow them to be blessed.
I needed to hear these words right now, Julie. “Though there will be chaos and unsettling things in this world, I need to remember that God is watching and putting His plan in place and in His time, it will be revealed.”
Wednesday: The City Gate
13. Read Ruth 4:1-9
A. Who is the first at the gate and “just then” who happens by?
Baoz was first at the gate and just then “So and so” (Joe Schmoe) happens by.
B. Paige said “my friend” is not accurate — better would be “Hey you.” Why you do think this kinsman-redeemer is the only one without a name in the book of Ruth?
He is inconsequential to the purposes of God! Oh, I do not want to be inconsequential.
C. How does Boaz make the offer as unattractive as possible?
In redeeming Elimelech’s land, he also will acquire the “Moabite” woman and widow Ruth to maintain the name of the dead.
D. How is Joe Schmoe a foil to Boaz and Orpah to Ruth?
Joe Schmoe and Orpah only highlighted the unique qualities of Boaz and Ruth. They were exactly the opposite in terms of love and loyalty.
E. How does Boaz respond when Joe Schmoe refuses the offer?
He announced his intent to do what Joe Schmoe did not want to do and legalized the transaction within the presence of the witnesses.
14. Boaz is not obligated to be a kinsman-redeemer. Parallel with Jesus?
Jesus did not have to come down to us to redeem us. We were still sinners when He died for us. He could just have the Father give the wrath we deserve.
15. Paige said God loves His people as Ruth loved Naomi and Boaz loved Ruth. Name a few things you see.
No strings attached to the love of God for us. He loves us just the way we are. Just as Ruth and Boaz showed hesed love to Naomi, and to each other so does God love us.
16. What else stood out from Paige?
I was struck by this thought from Paige. Boaz may have a “light bulb” moment when Ruth proposes to him. Aahhh…” Will you be the answer to your prayer?” How many times do we intercede for somebody else to meet the needs of others when the very answer lies within us? Am I willing to be the first person at the city gate? I am contemplating this!
I think you often are the first person at the gate!
Thank you, Dee! The older I get the more I realize it is not too late to be at the gate for somebody. Instead of focusing on Ecclesiastes 12 and lamenting the metaphors of growing older, I need to focus on the promises that are in Psalm 103:5; Psalm 92:14; Job 12:12; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Psalm 34:10, and many more.
Thursday/Friday: Zoom In and Zoom Out
17. Read Ruth 4:11-12
What are the people of Bethlehem asking God to do through Ruth by comparing her to Rachel, Leah, and Tamar? What did you learn from Paige?
—I don’t have specific comments written down from Paige on this and now don’t remember what she specifically said. But what the people who had gathered and witnessed from Boaz was well received. It seems obvious to me that at least in the area of Ephrathah and the town of Bethlehem Boaz was well known and respected and the people would have known his mother Rahab. To have him choose Ruth who also had established herself as a woman of very good character who had loved and cared for Naomi in their own midst they were rejoicing over this match. And they honored her and Boaz by pronouncing a blessing for her to be fruitful and part of building up the house (nation) of Israel with their offspring. To be compared and included with the important Matriarchs of their ancestors was a huge compliment.
18. Find all the ways God personally blessed Naomi.
—First with Ruth. Then Boaz and then a grandson who as her heir would care for her in her old age and establish a lineage blessed by God.
19. What do the women of Bethlehem say about Ruth? Significance of seven sons?
—They said Naomi had a daughter-in-law who loved her and that was better than having 7 sons. I’m not sure specifically on the number of 7 sons.
19. Significance of Ruth beginning “In the days of Judges” and ending with “David.”
The future opens up from the faithful, small-scale actions of three ordinary people, each serving the needs, spoken and unspoken, of the other. Ralph Davis
20. Comments on the above — and how this might relate to your life?
—Paige said “The genealogy at the end of the book connects the Judges and David.
The kingdom of God is being sculpted. And it culminates in King David who is the one who brings Jesus through his line.”
So we see the faithfulness of 3 ordinary people who God brought together and created an ordinary family and they became part of the conduit for God’s eternal plan of sending a Savior into the world. And I think of the waywardness of Naomi’s life and her hardness but God moved and worked in-spite of her loving her back to Himself through Ruth and Boaz.
It is good for me to remember that as just an ordinary person in God’s family by being faithful to live for him and follow his will for my life and living those He puts in my family and my life there is greater blessings to be had snd passed on to those around me that can have eternal consequences.
I’m glad you mentioned Rahhb again, Bev. Yes, they would have known her. It does not refer to her in the book of Ruth, but I wonder if Rahab might still have been alive to see Boaz and Ruth married. Probably not, but I can just imagine Rahab welcoming Ruth with open arms.
I like that picture.
Thursday/Friday: Zoom In and Zoom Out
17. Read Ruth 4:11-12
What are the people of Bethlehem asking God to do through Ruth by comparing her to Rachel, Leah, and Tamar? What did you learn from Paige?
They’re asking God to bless Ruth and Boaz with descendants just as He did with Rachel and Leah, whom all the nation of Israel descended. God also blessed Tamar with descendants after she made right in how Judah wronged her by not giving her the younger brother in marriage according to the law.
Paige stated that Ruth was grafted in at the level of Rachel and Leah.
18. Find all the ways God personally blessed Naomi.
He provided her with a redeemer for her family for which she has a reason to praise the Lord.
He restored new life into her…a reason to be joyful and no longer bitter.
A child whom she cared for as if he were her own.
A grandson who made her famous in Israel.
19. What do the women of Bethlehem say about Ruth?
See #18
Significance of seven sons?
The love of Ruth, her daughter-in-law is better than 7 sons. The number 7 is significant because it means perfection, completeness and fulness. Love this from Paige…”God has brought her to fullness…a son has been born to Naomi, a redeemer baby. Ruth was the one who loved Naomi…better than 7 sons! It’s been about restoring Naomi. “
19. Significance of Ruth beginning “In the days of Judges” and ending with “David.”
I think Paige says it best…”This is where the beauty comes in.
(MLK’s memorial in DC was sculpted by a Chinese man in China where he did 159 different blocks and they were shipped back to the US and put together and only the sculptor could see what it was going to look like).
Only the Lord knew what He was doing in this story of Ruth…in the disobedience of Moab, in the field and at the city gate.
What makes Ruth and Boaz fit together? Hesed and Holiness. They are running towards the same destination…God. Hesed is “pouring out” and Holiness is “standing out.” The root word of holy is “to cut,” what makes God separate from us. Ruth and Boaz stood out even in the time of Judges. The only way we’re going to be used by God is if we’re people of Hesed and Holiness. The question for us is not what “could” I do but what “should “ I do? Lord, I belong to You, what should I do for You. “
The future opens up from the faithful, small-scale actions of three ordinary people, each serving the needs, spoken and unspoken, of the other.
Ralph Davis
20. Comments on the above — and how this might relate to your life?
God as my sculptor has a lot of work to do. I need to trust that His purpose will work out for good even when I don’t see how it all fits together.
So good: Hesed is “pouring out” and Holiness is “standing out.” The root word of holy is “to cut,” what makes God separate from us. Ruth and Boaz stood out even in the time of Judges. The only way we’re going to be used by God is if we’re people of Hesed and Holiness.
Saturday:
21. Write down 3 things you would really like God to press into your heart from this series on Ruth.
1.All of Paige’s teaching on “hesed” has ignited a desire in me to live a life saturated with hesed.
2.The combination of hesed and holiness, I desire to have that pressed into my heart.
3.To always keep in mind that the Lord uses ordinary people to fulfill His purposes. I am one of them.
All of Paige’s teaching on “hesed” has ignited a desire in me to live a life saturated with hesed.
Me too. What a good result in our hearts – -may it be, Lord.
Me too, Dee!
Amen Cheryl, Dee and Laura. This is my prayer for the rest of my life. Lord, help me to press into you and to renew my life. Lord saturate it with hesed.
I am sorry to have missed the past two week, but such important lessons that I desperately need right now. I have felt so ill for so long and I am Praising God that I think I am finally over this respiratory bug.
So true, Cheryl Ann and Sharon! Hesed and holiness. My desire as well.
Saturday:
21. Write down 3 things you would really like God to press into your heart from this series on Ruth.
His hands.
Paige said “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”.
—this above comment stood out to me in regards to the fact that we have a God who is hands on and this verse from Psalms that I read this morning affirms that.
“The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:23
Hesed
—This word hesed carries deeper meaning for me now as a result of studying Ruth.
This definition of HESED LOVE” from Sally Lloyd Jones which she translates from the Hebrew word as Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love” in her Jesus Storybook Bible book will be something I keep posted in my personal notes.
Paige said “The LORD is the source of Hesed”. So as a result holiness becomes the character of a life which experiences and practices Hesed.
From my notes on hesed there eas this challenge.
“Hesed and holiness!!
The question in life is not
What could I do? It is what should I do?
Lord I belong to you. What should I do. What is the loving thing? What is the right thing? “
Kinsman / Redeemer
—The concept of kinsman/redeemer was not new or unfamiliar to me but the study of Ruth served again as a beautiful reminder of the truth of Jesus as my Kinsman/Redeemer.
Kinsman
“When we come to Jesus for salvation and give our lives to him we become children of God and joint heirs with Christ. He is like our older brother.”
Redeemer
“A Redeemer buys back and rescues someone who has nothing. He pays whatever price is needed to restore that one who has lost what was of value in their life but has no way to regain it. He sets the person free so to speak.
Jesus found me when I was lost. He paid the price of my sin debt by giving his own life to redeem me. He set me free.”
—What a beautiful book from God’s Holy Word!!
Bev, what beautiful takeaways! The one about Hesed stood out to me. It is amazing that something we think we are familiar with grows in depth of meaning when we gather together, spend time in the Word, and share. I thank God for the gift of technology and such a wise and gifted Bible study leader in Dee. I also thought this was one of Paige’s best if not the best. so glad we made a side trip!
14. Boaz is not obligated to be a kinsman-redeemer. Parallel with Jesus?
Jesus did not have to claim us. He wanted us so He bled for us. Thank You Lord Jesus.
17. Read Ruth 4:11-12
What are the people of Bethlehem asking God to do through Ruth by comparing her to Rachel, Leah, and Tamar?
They were the matriarchs of Israel. They are asking God to make Ruth one also. Even though she is not an Israelite, they ask for her to have a blessed life.
What did you learn from Paige?
I reflected on the idea that it doesn’t matter who you are, you can be part of His kingdom. He wants us to have hesed love. He asks us to be holy by standing out among the others.
18. Find all the ways God personally blessed Naomi.
He allowed her to be back in a peaceful, joyful world within her family. She experiences hesed love from Ruth and protective love from Boaz. The Israelites are told to love their neighbor as themselves. Ruth is their neighbor. Naomi tried to rid herself of Ruth, but Ruth was being used by God to show Naomi this edict.
She is brought from bitterness to joy!
She was not blood related to either side, and she was able to benefit from it all. The book of Ruth is all about Naomi.
She received a son through Ruth’s birth of Obed. A redeemer baby! How beautiful a story it ends up being. God has used the outsider to bring the insider back to the fold.
19. What do the women of Bethlehem say about Ruth?
They say Naomi is more blessed with Ruth than with seven sons.
Significance of seven sons?
Perfection.
God used the outsider to bring the insider back to the fold. Such a succinct way of summing it all up, Laura.
♥️
19. Significance of Ruth beginning “In the days of Judges” and ending with “David.”
Everything changes in the book of Ruth from mayhem to order. The same fields where Ruth gleaned are the fields where her great grandson tended the sheep. They are the same fields where a multitude of angels visited the shepherds when Christ was born.
20. Comments on the above — and how this might relate to your life?
I never would have read this book and “gleaned” (sorry!) so much. Paige is so talented at drawing out the meaning. Thanks for the side trip.
I believe I have shown hesed love to our daughter and SIL. It has not been an easy venture. we are coming to the end of another chapter and people will be hurt. Oddly enough it will be determined by the “judges.” We have three entities just like Ruth, Naomi and Boaz. We could say that Sarah is Naomi, bitter and desperate. The kids are Ruth, willing to do whatever is necessary to make things good; optimistic and loving to both “sides.” We are Boaz, trying to protect and follow the law. Interesting. I don’t mean to suggest that the kids/we are Jesus at all. Please don’t think that. Just making an observation about the threes. Taking it further, would Sarah finally benefit in the end no matter the outcome? Will the generations to come benefit? I keep telling myself that it’s all God’s plan and that the end must be a beautiful thing because the ashes are piling up quite high right now. In this situation the kids will be hurt because they are the ones who “lose” something; either their parents or their grandparents. That is my main concern right now. I have lost my daughter already, will I lose the grands? But God.
21. Write down 3 things you would really like God to press into your heart from this series on Ruth.
Never give up. God is working on me and my life.
Hesed love is most important.
My actions may affect lives for many generations to come.
I love your takeways, Laura. I especially love ” My actions may affect lives for many generations to come.”
Laura, my heart aches for you right now. I can see the correlation you have made to the book of Ruth, God working out His puposes in your life. I’ll be praying for you.
Interesting comparison and apt.
Father, how I ask that You would work in the hearts of the judges as worked at the city gate for Boaz and Ruth.
Thursday/Friday: Zoom In and Zoom Out
17. Read Ruth 4:11-12
What are the people of Bethlehem asking God to do through Ruth by comparing her to Rachel, Leah, and Tamar? What did you learn from Paige?
She would bring history to the people of God through the offspring she would carry (God only needed Obed to be the lifeline for our Lord, Jesus!) Just as these women were in the line of Jesus. I looked up the meaning of Obed and t said, “serving” or “worshiping”. Nothing much was said of him, but his name was written down (denotes importance).
“David is often titled “son of Jesse” (1 Chronicles 10:14; Psalm 72:20; Acts 13:22). Since Jesse was the son of Obed, Obed’s name is forever linked with the promised Messiah of Israel (Matthew 1:1).”
18. Find all the ways God personally blessed Naomi.
From emptiness to fullness. From not being part of the biological family to belonging to a hesed family. Her land was redeemed. Ruth was a blessing to her. Boaz was a blessing to Naomi. She has a protector in Boaz and a loving daughter-in-law. And a grandson!
19. What do the women of Bethlehem say about Ruth? Significance of seven sons?
Ruth is better than seven sons. 7 means complete. Ruth is only one but she is complete. Naomi has everything in her that she would have had if she had seven sons.
19. Significance of Ruth beginning “In the days of Judges” and ending with “David.”
History can be gloom and doom but if we wait on the hand of God, joy will come. David heralds a new king pointing toward a greater King.
The future opens up from the faithful, small-scale actions of three ordinary people, each serving the needs, spoken and unspoken, of the other.
Ralph Davis
20. Comments on the above — and how this might relate to your life?
In these seeming years of 2000 plus, the world seemed to have fallen apart. Many do as they deem fit. But as a Christian, I am to live with hope knowing that God has hands in all of history. Ordinary I/we may be, we matter. He has his eye on the sparrow, and He watches over me. He rules over the details of my life (do not despise the days of small things). And he has included me weaving my life into the beautiful tapestry of His purposes and plans.
Saturday:
21. Write down 3 things you would really like God to press into your heart from this series on Ruth.
“Do not despise the day of small things. Zechariah 4:10
God knows and sees me. He rules my life and the details of it.
God’s hands are always at work.
God calls us to be faithful to Him.
Richard, my husband, introduced me to this song when we were still in the Philippines:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yNnirP8fiM
Just Ordinary People
Just ordinary peopleGod uses ordinary peopleHe chooses people just like me and youWho are willing to do as He commandsGod uses people that will give Him allNo matter how small your all may seem to youBecause little becomes much as you place it in the Master’s hand
Just like that little ladWho gave Jesus all he hadHow the multitude was fedWith the fish and the loaves of breadWhat you have may not seem muchBut when you yield it to the touchOf the Master’s loving hand, yesThen you’ll understand How your life could never be the same.
Just like that little lad Who gave Jesus all he had How the multitude was fed With the fish and the loaves of bread What you have may not seem much But when you yield it to the touch Of the Master’s loving hand, yes Then you’ll understand How your life could never be the same.
How I need the Master’s hand on my life. I need to let go of the present and yield to His loving Hand. Lord hear my prayer. I think too much of the temporal and not of the Master plan of God. What happens today makes a difference, even if we cannot see it or feel it. Lord, help me to see You and to know You are here, directing me when the silence seems deafening.
Patti, praying you feel the hidden hands of God in your life. We know He sees us. You are kept in Jesus and He is holding you fast. I also pray that you will hear Him speak to your heart in the way only He can.
Thank you, dear Bing. This has been a difficult few weeks. I have not been so sick in years, but thankfully much better. I just feel so alone and cannot hear the voice of the Lord. How I pray to have Hesed love and to wait on Him. I am desperate to be around other Christians. Lord lead me where I can be of use to Your kingdom. I have never felt so lost in years, but I am trusting Him.
Dear Lord, I add my pleas to Bing for Patti. Encourage her and strengthen her by your grace
Amen for Patti!
I am praying for you Patti. Hang on. Spring is coming. God’s beauty is near. Have faith. You are in His hands. ♥️🙏
Saturday:
21. Write down 3 things you would really like God to press into your heart from this series on Ruth.
Surgeon Hands
When I go through times of suffering to remember that God hasn’t abandoned me but rather is doing a work in my heart. May I not let bitterness creep in but rather keep my eyes upon Jesus and engage the comfort of His Word, music or/and allow someone to show hesed love.
Shepherd Hands
His hands are always leading, protecting and providing.
Sculptor Hands
The Lord has a purpose for my life and He is shaping me for His glory. I pray that hesed and holiness would be evident in my life.
I have so enjoyed this study in Ruth. I am continually humbled that God’s Word always has something new to teach me and that I have so much growing to do…I so appreciate His amazing grace in my life!