Lesson Two
Ruth and Naomi: An example for the ages in faith, love, and friendship.
b Reading Assignment: Read the first two chapters of Ruth.
Some commentators have suggested that Naomi really did not want Ruth and Orpah to return with her because she would be embarrassed to return with her two foreign daughters-in-law. It's hard to believe that this could be the case considering the obvious affection she feels towards Ruth and Orpah as well as the hazardous journey she was about to undertake as a widow of some advanced age. More likely, as some commentators suggest, she knew that the journey would be difficult, and that once they arrived in Bethlehem, the girls would probably not be readily accepted by the residents, not to mention the poverty that undoubtedly awaited them. In other words, she didn't want to place any further hardships on them. She knew that their life would be easier in Moab and that they would more easily find husbands there. She loved them and was seeking the best for them, so, in essence, she was telling them to "count the cost" if they decided to make the journey.
? Discuss what types of sacrifices Ruth made in order to stay with Naomi and to follow God.
n Just as Ruth and Naomi's trip was long and hazardous, Jesus also tells us that we should "count the cost" of being His as we make our journey through life. Read Luke 14:26-33. What is the cost of being a follower of Christ?
? What types of dangers do Christians face today? What sacrifices do we make?
n We will discuss next week how Ruth was rewarded for her leap of faith. Read II Timothy 4:7-8 and discuss how Christians can expect to be rewarded when their faithful journey is complete.
The relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law has given comics throughout history enough material to fill several hundred joke books, but Ruth and Naomi do not fit that comedic mold. Let's explore the special relationship between Ruth and Naomi and see what we can learn from them. In order for us to understand their relationship, a little background information is necessary. Ruth, as we know, was a Moabitess from the country of Moab. Moab was a pagan nation to the east of the Dead Sea and often an enemy of Israel. The people of Moab were the descendants of the incestuous relationship between Lot and one of his daughters after they fled Sodom and Gomorrah (see Genesis 19:30-36). The people of Moab worshiped the god Chemosh and practiced child sacrifice.
? As Naomi held her two sons as babies and pictured whom they would one day marry, she probably did not picture Ruth. Putting yourself in Naomi's place, what do you think her first reaction was to Ruth as a prospective daughter-in-law?
nWhat evidence do we find in the scriptures that Ruth and Naomi did have a good relationship?
n Ruth and Naomi show love toward each other even in the very worst of times (1:8-10, 16-17). What does Jesus have to say about the effect of love in a relationship (John 13:34-35)?
Although the Bible does not specify, it would be difficult to comprehend Ruth becoming a follower of the one true God and leaving everything that she had known in Moab if she had not seen something special in Naomi, and possibly her husband, that would persuade her to leave the teachings that she had grown up with.
b Read I Corinthians 13 and see the "picture" of love that Paul paints for the Corinthians.
? In what practical ways can we be a "picture of love" to someone who does not know Christ?
? In what practical ways could you be a "picture of love" to your daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, children, spouse, etc.?
n Naomi also plays the role of mentor and teacher for Ruth. What evidence do you find in the story that shows this aspect of their relationship?
nLike Naomi, we are also encouraged to be mentors and teachers for younger women. Read Titus 2:3-5. What is the responsibility of older women? Of younger women?
? Is there a specific age at which someone becomes an "older" woman?
? How could an 18-year-old woman be an "older" woman example for a 15-year-old girl?
No matter what age we are, we can have a positive impact on women that we come in contact with!
As we return to Ruth's story, keep in mind that in biblical times, there were very few occupations for women. Marriage was generally considered the only "safe" occupation for a woman. This presented a problem for Naomi and Ruth as they returned home to Bethlehem. It appears from the text that Naomi's husband, Elimelech, had probably mortgaged their farm before they left. Naomi and Ruth faced certain poverty and possible starvation when they returned.
n What did Ruth find to do as a job to provide for her and Naomi?
n In Leviticus 23:22 and Deuteronomy 24:19, how does God instruct Jewish farmers to make provision for the widows and the fatherless?
n From Boaz's comments and Ruth's actions in Ruth 2, what do we learn about Ruth's character?
? The word was out! The newcomer--the foreigner--was making an impression on her new neighbors. Ruth's good character was easing her into her new surroundings. Do we experience this same phenomenon today? What lessons can we learn from Ruth when we are entering a new, unfamiliar environment?
n What instructions did Boaz give the men working in his field concerning Ruth?
n Ruth worked until evening and at the end of the day, she had an ephah of grain, which is probably equivalent to about 3/5 of a bushel. After showing Naomi the grain, what did Ruth do with the leftovers from her meal with Boaz and his workers (vv. 14, 18)?
Ruth's workday was long and hard, but at the end of the day, she and Naomi were sustained, thanks to God's care and Boaz's generosity.
We have seen a very special relationship between two women who were helping one another in very difficult circumstances. May we learn how to incorporate their love and faithfulness into our own relationships!
Questions for sharing:
If you are comfortable doing so and time allows, please share with the group what lessons you have learned from your mother-in-law or daughter-in-law.
How can the relationship between Ruth and Naomi help you in your relationship with your mother-in-law or daughter-in-law?
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