|
<< BACK TO THE FULL PAGE <<
WOMEN IN DISCIPLESHIP (sm)
WOMEN OF FAITH
BLESSEDNESS OF BELIEVING
WEEK TWO
Ruth
INTRODUCTION
For the second time in this series about Women Of Faith, we'll study a woman who had a book of the Bible named after her. Ruth was a woman of extreme courage and faith. We will see the foundation of her faith and the willingness of her commitment to her mother-in-law that brought about true life and peace. From the study of Ruth, we can learn much about surrender and submission as it relates to godliness and character in the life of a woman both then and now. God had a perfect plan for Ruth. He used a seemingly barren process to fulfill the fruitfulness of her life and Naomi's as well.
Let's begin to draw principles for our lives from these women and the man they called the "kinsman redeemer." Pray that God will open the eyes of your heart to hear the message of our Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus Christ, from this marvelous story of love and redemption.
DAY ONE
Read the entire book of Ruth in one sitting. Enjoy the wonder and great design of God as you see the pathway of sorrow turned to joy in this marvelous true story.
- When did this true story take place? (1:1)
- Why did Elimelech and Naomi leave Bethlehem in Judah, and where did they go? (1:1-2)
- What happened to Elimelech and Naomi's two sons while they were in this foreign land for ten years?
- Why did Naomi decide to return to Bethlehem? (v.6)
- According to Ruth 1:7-13, what did Naomi wish for her daughters-in-law?
(Note Naomi's prayer for them in verse 8-9. Note also her barren attitude.)
The Jewish law stated that if a mother-in-law had other male children, the widow was entitled to be the wife of the next available son. Naomi told these two women, Ruth and Orpah, that even if she could have another child it would be inconceivable for them to wait until the boy was grown to marry one of them.
- Why do you suppose Naomi said, "for the hand of the LORD has gone forth against me"? (1:13)
Commentaries about Elimelech and Naomi's flight from Judah to Moab because of famine indicate that fleeing the Promised Land was something that was not usually done or accepted by other Jews. Naomi experienced the barrenness of her husband's decision to move to a foreign land. She felt barren in her family life and her spiritual life. Her season in the Moab wilderness was one of heartbreak and possibly judgment from God. However, what seemed like a season of drought, God used to yield great blessing, as we will discover in the following chapters.
LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS
- Spiritual famine can lead to a season of spiritual barrenness. What has occurred in your life that has led to a barrenness of heart?
- Losing loved ones is a very sorrowful experience in life. How can you bring encouragement to someone who is in mourning today?
- It is the LORD who holds the power to cause famine or to give plenty. Have you acknowledged the LORD in your present circumstances and asked for His help?
|
