Breaking Ground
What event in your life made you feel the most lucky? Why?
The Dig
This Sunday, we concluded our series on The Book of Ruth.
Read Ruth 4:1-12. As Pastor Mike discussed, chapter 4 begins with Boaz scheming to gain the role of Ruth & Naomi’s “family redeemer.” In that, this section contrasts Boaz & the intentionally left anonymous first redeemer (referred to simply as “So-&-So” in Hebrew).
Why does “So-&-So” relinquish the family redeemer role to Boaz? What does this reveal about his character?
How does final Boaz’s proclamation contrast the decision of “So-&-So”? What does this reveal about Boaz’s character?
Next, read Ruth 4:13-17. Ultimately, Ruth concludes with a happy ending & this final section that intentionally mirrors the tragedy of chapter 1 (Naomi’s bitterness is mirrored with celebration, death with birth, sorrow with joy, etc). In this, the Book of Ruth reminds us about the seasonal nature of life & the assurance of God’s presence within all seasons.
Do you find it easy to accept & embrace life as being fundamentally seasonal? That is, something that inherently changes & moves through cycles (including both seasons of good & bad, abundance & scarcity, joy & suffering, renewal & loss, etc).
What unhealthy, internal narratives or stories about yourself, God, & others do you turn to in hard seasons? How might this conclusion of Ruth point you towards a healthier spirituality & trust within those seasons?
Finally, Ruth concludes with the genealogy we discussed in week 1, offering up a final note of hope & a gentle reminder that Ruth & Naomi were wrapped up into this larger redemptive story simply by committing to doing the next right thing.
Where do you currently need to foster hope in your life & how might Ruth’s story help you do so?
In which challenging situations or relationships do you need to simply commit to doing the next right thing? What might that look like?
Getting Out of the Hole
Take time to reflect on the Sunday sermon & how this week’s section of Ruth might speak into your daily life.
- Where do you need to accept the seasonal nature of life (trusting that God is with you regardless of your circumstances)?
- Where do you need to surrender the outcome of a situation or circumstance & simply commit to doing the next right thing as a daily discipline?
- Which marginalized or hurting people do you think God’s calling you to stand up & provide for in this season? What’s one tangible act of justice you can commit to do in this arena?
Journal, reflect, & pray on how God might be speaking to you through each week’s teaching. Share your experience with your growth group next week!
Additional Resources*
World Biblical Commentary: Ruth & Esther by Frederic Bush
The Hebrew Bible: The Writings by Robert Alter
The Bible for Everyone: Ruth by NT Wright
TheBibleProject.com
Coming Up This Week:*
Saturday, May 28th: Join us next Sunday for Pentecost & the celebration of BAPTISM SUNDAY (the best day ever)!
* Please see mye3.org for details.