Monday, May 12, 2014

Week 6, Chapter 9: The Faith of a Foreign Woman

Week 6, Chapter 9: The Faith of a Foreign Woman
Associated Scripture: Ruth 1-4

Discussion Questions:
1.       What does Ruth’s story reveal about the love of God? God loves us all!  HE loves those who become an image of his unconditional love.  God’s living presence in a relationship overcomes differences that otherwise create division and disharmony.  Where the world says it is impossible…God says it is possible to his perfect will.
2.       What does Ruth’s story reveal about how God views all people groups?  What does that mean for you?  Acts 10: 35 says “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”  God works through all people.  He accepts all who worship HIM!!
3.       Both Ruth and Naomi suffered tremendous loss.  Why does a  good and gracious God allow tragedy to come upon those who love him?  God wants us to turn to him.  He can use that tragedy to change your life even more.  Think about the last time you suffered…did you turn to God?  When you did, didn’t you come that much closer to him??
4.       When difficult times come, what causes you to continue to hope in God?  This is for each of you to answer personally.  Take the time to reflect on your time.  For me, there is no other way but to turn to God and continue to have faith in him for the answer to my pain or questions or concerns.  I know that if I hand it to God, even when I do so hesitantly, the answer will come through him. 
5.       Ruth left her home to follow Naomi and to follow God.  How is God asking you to follow him?
6.       In what way do Ruth’s actions and responses challenge you?  Encourage you?
7.       What steps can you take to become a more selfless, loving person?
The last three questions are for each of us to answer internally.  I am completely encouraged by Ruth in this story so long ago.  She was so close to God…even though she did not know the “why” answer to what had just happened in her life, she continued to have faith in the Lord.  It really reminds me of my Memmy.  My great-grandmother Memmy was so very close to God.  Her name was Ruth.  Makes me smile.  She read her bible every night.  I really do not think she ever turned away from the Lord.  I really miss her. 
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1.       As you read chapter 9 of The Story, what were some of the losses that Naomi and Ruth faced?  How did each of them respond to these painful experiences?  They both lost the person(s) that they loved dearly.  Naomi lost her husband and her sons.  They, she and Ruth had nothing.  Naomi had no one in the land of Moab.  They had no land or protections.  They had nothing.  Naomi initially was a very bitter person, not knowing why this happened to her..  She does continue to show love and compassion.  Ruth decided to stay with her mother-in-law and Naomi continued to take care of Ruth.  It sure is human to react the way Naomi did.  God is there during such frustrating times though…we must remember to turn to him.
2.       Naomi was a person of faith, but she also questioned God and was deeply honest about her struggles (Ruth 1:19-21; The Story, p. 122).  In what ways did Naomi’s losses impact how she viewed God and his work in her life?  She really felt as though God and punished her for some reason; however, she continued to love the Lord.
3.       Boaz was a man of amazing character and wisdom (Ruth 2-3; The Story, pp. 123-126). What can we learn from Boaz’s interactions with his workers including Ruth?  Boaz was kind.  Boaz’s mom was the outsider too.  Boaz, strong wealthy man in Bethlehem, mother was the prostitute Rahab the Canaanite prostitute that provided coverage for Joshua’s spies!  He was once an outsider too!!  He knew what it felt like to be an outsider and extended a hand to help this outsider!
4.       Throughout Chapter 9 of the Story we get glimpses into Ruth’s character as well.  What are some of the exemplary aspects of her heart, attitudes, and behavior?  How might Ruth be a role model for people today?  Ruth was very courageous.  She was ready to work, and get food!  She took over watching over Naomi.  She chose to be with her mother-in-law and follow her God.  She constantly thought of Naomi.  Ruth consistently remained the same.  She had a great reputation for how she treated all people….and we could follow her example and be the same.   Ruth followed Naomi’s advice and trusted her and trusted God!!
5.       Near the end of Chapter 9 of The Story (Ruth 4: 1-10), Boaz offers another family member the opportunity to pay for and redeem the land of Naomi’s dead husband and his two sons.  When his other family members realize it will cost him a great deal and gain him nothing financially, he declines.  At this point, Boaz pays for all the property and allows the name of Elimelech (Naomi’s husband) to be remembered.  Give examples of things God calls Christians to do that cost us a great deal and do no pay off much (in the life or eyes of the world).  John 15: 18-26.  You will not always be thanks for all the good that you will do!
6.       How did Jesus’ life model service and sacrifice for people who really had nothing with which to pay him back? Jesus did not expect payment in return.  His whole life was about love, sacrifice, and service.
7.       When you think of how Naomi’s life went from Mara (bitter) to Naomi (beautiful), what were the ways God extended grace to this faithful woman?  Who needs you to come alongside of them to remind them that they are loved (or beautiful) and what is one action you can take this week to extend God’s grace to this person?  We can never do enough to do for Him what he did for us.  We can take our talents and use them to express our generosity through these talents!

8.       Read movement 4 of the Story (p.11).  What is the big theme of this movement?  When all hope was lost, God still provided. She continued to be faithful and was rewarded in the end!  Read Matthew 13!!

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