Ruth 6 - Sessions
The book of Ruth is a story of loyalty, faith, and God's providence, detailing how Ruth's dedication to her mother-in-law Naomi leads to unexpected blessings and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Through Ruth's journey, we see how God's faithfulness transforms hardship into hope. Pastor John Piper notes, "Ruth's unwavering faith and loyalty remind us that God's providence often works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes."
Session 1: "A Time of Trouble" – Ruth 1:1-14
Session 2: "Where You Go, I Will Go" – Ruth 1:15-22
Session 3: "Favor in the Fields" – Ruth 2
Session 4: "A Risk of Faith" – Ruth 3:1-13
Session 5: "A Redeemer Steps Forward" – Ruth 3:14 - 4:12
Session 6: "A Son is Given" – Ruth 4:13-22
The book of Ruth is a beautiful and deeply meaningful story of loyalty, faith, and divine providence. Set in the time of the Judges, when Israel was often caught in cycles of disobedience and hardship, Ruth's story stands out as a testament to God's unwavering care and redemption. It follows a Moabite woman, Ruth, who, after the death of her husband, chooses to remain with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Her famous declaration, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16, NIV), highlights her deep commitment not only to Naomi but also to the God of Israel. Through Ruth’s faithfulness and the kindness of Boaz, we see a beautiful foreshadowing of Christ, our ultimate Redeemer.
For Christians today, studying the Old Testament—especially books like Ruth—is essential to understanding the full narrative of God's work throughout history. While some may wonder how these ancient stories apply to modern faith, Jesus Himself affirmed the Old Testament’s importance, saying, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17, NIV). The Old Testament provides the foundation upon which the New Testament stands, showing God's faithfulness from generation to generation. Pastor and theologian Warren Wiersbe once noted, “The past is a rudder to guide you, not an anchor to drag you. We must learn from the past but not live in it.” The story of Ruth is one such guide, reminding believers of God’s ongoing plan for redemption, which ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Additionally, Ruth’s story teaches that God works through ordinary people and everyday choices. Charles Spurgeon once remarked, “Little do we know what may happen to us when we are going forth upon our ordinary business.” Ruth’s faithfulness in the small things—gleaning in the fields, caring for Naomi—led her to be part of God’s grand design, as she became the great-grandmother of King David and part of the lineage of Christ. This serves as an encouragement to believers today, especially senior Christians, that no stage of life is without purpose. God continues to work through us, using our faithfulness to bless others and further His kingdom.