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?
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?
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?
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?
Read Ruth 3
Ruth takes a huge risk by going to Boaz at night. She could have been taken advantage of; she could have been labeled an adulteress (since she was not married); she could have been rejected and cast aside; etc. However, she takes the risk. What does this say about her character? Is there a risk that God is asking you to take right now? What is it?
Read Ruth 3
Naomi encourages Ruth to bathe and put away her widow’s clothing thereby ending her season of mourning (v 2-4). Was this wise counsel or selfish and insensitive? Have you ever received advice from someone while you were grieving? What is some wise counsel you received?