The Gospel of Ruth - Week 2

Traditionally, the Old Testament book of Ruth has been viewed as a love story. But in this series of 12 conversations with author Carolyn Custis James, Mart DeHaan and Elisa Morgan discover that this story of Naomi and Ruth and Boaz is not all about romance. It’s about God’s ability to make much of broken lives, and how he calls men and women to serve together to build His kingdom.

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When Naomi’s world fell apart, she may have felt that she had lost God’s “hesed,” or His sacrificial, costly, voluntary love. But God used Ruth and Boaz to show Naomi He had not abandoned her. Bolstered by God’s hesed love, Naomi can then pour out that love on Ruth, Boaz, and her grandson.  

As we ponder the blessed alliance between Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, we see how God provided and protected this humble family that was in the lineage of King David and His Son Jesus. We also get a beautiful picture of how God wants His daughters and sons to work together to build His kingdom on earth. 

Reflect  

• How did Ruth “break the rules” to show God’s hesed love to Naomi in Ruth 1:22–2:7? 
• How did Boaz join Ruth in “breaking the rules” in Ruth 2:4–17? What do we learn about Boaz’ character and about the power of men and women working together to serve God? 
• How can we see God’s fingerprints in Naomi’s life based on Ruth 1:6, Ruth 1:20 and Ruth 2:17–23? 
• How do we see God at work in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz in Ruth 3:1–13? 
• Based on Ruth 3:1, Ruth 3:5–13 and Ruth 4:13–22,  how does Ruth’s story embolden you to step out, take responsibility for needs you see, and live more courageously for Jesus? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that You are always at work in my life. Help me to look for Your fingerprints in every season of my life. Help me to live boldly for Jesus and to share Your hesed love with others.”  

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• The Gospel of Ruth   

Listen: 

• God Is At Work—The Story of Ruth Part 2—A “Chance” Meeting  
• God Is At Work Part 3—A Strange Proposal  
• God Is At Work—The Story of Ruth Part 4—The Providence of God 

Read: 

• Transformed by Love  
• Keep Yourselves in the Love of God  

 Watch: 

• God Loves YOU!   
• God's Daily Love