Nov. 28, 2021

Ruth 1

On the Road to Bethlehem

1. In the time of the Judges: Naomi’s Tragedy (vs. 1-5)

A. In the Days of the Judges

Judges 21:25

B. Bethlehem- The Empty “House of Bread”

C. Famine and problems in this time

D. A relocated family to Moab with relocated priorities

Elimelech- “My God is King”

Moab’s bad side: Genesis 19:30-38; Numbers 22-24; Judges 3:15-30

Deuteronomy 7:3-5

E. Naomi is left alone (vs. 3-5)

2. On the way back (vs. 6-18)

A. Relief from the LORD (v. 6)

Judges 6:6

B. A Blessing to Return

C. The Plea for them to Go back to Moab (vs. 8-13)

D. Ruth Clung to her (v. 14)

E. Ruth’s decision and Covenant (vs. 15-18)

Ruth 1:16-17

3. A Bitter Homecoming (vs. 19-22)

A. Greetings to Naomi (v. 19)

B. A Name Change (vs. 20-21)

Leviticus 26:19-20

Deuteronomy 28:23-24

Job 9:17-18

Isaiah 38:14-15

Ephesians 4:31

Hebrews 12:15

C. The beginning of the Barley Harvest (v. 22)

Reflection:

1. Have you experienced seasons of brokenness like Naomi? Have you felt empty and even bitter?

2. In what ways have you been like Ruth to someone, or have you had someone like Ruth in your life at a difficult time? How did God use them to help you through?

Follow Up through the Week

Monday, November 29, 2021

Read: Judges 21:25

How does this verse look like life today? Who is king in your life?

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Read: Ruth 1:1-5

How bad was Naomi’s situation? Has there been a time past or present that you have felt this much desolation in your life?

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Read: Ruth 1:6-18

When you read the interactions of Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah, how does this help you to understand Naomi’s hopeless situation? Is there a person today in your life that needs to hear the words of verses 16 and 17 and your commitment to them?

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Read: Ruth 1:19-22

How do you understand Naomi’s bitterness and emptiness? Is it a personal connection?

Friday, December 3, 2021

Read: Hebrews 12:15

When has the root of bitterness sprung up in your life? When has the poison of someone else’s bitterness hurt you? How can you see the danger of allowing bitterness to reign in your own life?

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Read: Ruth 1:22

With more than a week between today and Thanksgiving Day, can you see the “bounty” and “harvest” God has placed before you in your life? Take time to remember that and count that blessing today!