Thursday, October 20

Read Ruth 4

There are two substantial blessings in this chapter (v 11-12 & 13-15).  The first refers to characters in the book of Genesis (v 11 & 12).  If you could choose an Old Testament character as a model for a blessing over you, who would it be?  Why?

Wednesday, October 19

Read Ruth 4

It was foretold to Naomi that baby Obed, ‘will renew (her) life and sustain (her) in (her) old age’ (v 15).  Who plays (or will likely play) Obed’s role in your life?  What does (might) that look like?

Tuesday, October 18

rRead Ruth 4

Why did the other kinsman-redeemer initially decide to redeem (v 4) but then back away from that decision (v 6)?  Have you ever made a quick decision that later turned out to be unwise?  What happened?  What would you do differently now?

Monday, October 17

Read Ruth 4

Why isn’t the other kinsman-redeemer named (v 1, 3, 6, 8)?  Have you ever known someone who tried to make a name for yourself (themselves) only to be ignored/forgotten but the people around you (them)?

Sunday, October 16

rRead Ruth 4

Boaz invites the other kinsman-redeemer to sit down next to him, even calling him ‘friend’ (v 1).  After his night of the threshing floor with Ruth (chapter 3) and knowing this man could take her as his wife, what might have been going through Boaz’ mind?  Have you experienced a situation when something you wanted was in danger of slipping through your fingers?  What was the outcome?

Saturday, October 15

Read Ruth 3

The scene that begins to unfold at the threshing floor (v 4 & 7) bares resemblance to Moab’s conception (Gen. 19:30-37).  Both account begin with a plan.  Both accounts have a sleeping man and a young woman approaching.  What else do you see?  Compare and contrast the scenes.  Why is the Ruth account a redemptive moment for the Moabite woman?

Friday, October 14

Read Ruth 3

Because of his relationship to Naomi & Ruth’s family (v 2 & 9), Boaz was a beacon of hope.  Have you ever offered hope to others without necessarily knowing it until later?  What happened?  Are there people around you right now who need your help?

Thursday, October 13

Read Ruth 3

Right from the time we were introduced to him in chapter 2, Boaz has been unceasingly generous to Ruth and Naomi (v 15 & 17).  What does his care for both women show about his character?  How might a 21st century Boaz demonstrate generosity?  How might people in our society grow in generosity when money seems to be tight?

Wednesday, October 12

Read Ruth 3

Boaz refers to Ruth’s kindness shown earlier (v 10).  What kindness was he referring to?  How did Ruth’s earlier actions contribute to Boaz’s overall perspective of her?  What about you?  Are you living faithfully and kindly toward the people around you?  How do your choices today affect your relationships of tomorrow?