The book of Ruth encourages us to consider how God operates in our lives, often without our awareness.
Set at the same time as the book of Judges, it shows that God remains active and present even in the worst of times. God preserves his faithful followers, regardless of circumstances.
Ruth demonstrates that God uses regular people. The narrative is a beautifully crafted love story from a woman's perspective, highlighting selfless love against adversity. Ruth reminds us of God's sovereignty and hidden activity in our lives, influencing everyday details. God remains committed to fulfilling his promise from Genesis 12:3 to redeem his people. God's grace is present in our lives, even during moments of shame and pain, even if we don't always see it.
Ruth is integral to the biblical narrative leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus. It's part of the fulfillment of God's promise in Genesis 3:15 that the offspring of the woman would one day defeat the serpent.
The Big Idea of Ruth
S: How is God at work in our lives?
C/BI: God uses ordinary, obedient, and suffering people to accomplish his eternal purposes even in the worst of times.
1
S: How do God's people sometimes feel in times of crisis?
C: Abandoned, because we don't see what God is doing.
BI: We often feel abandoned in times of crisis because we don't see what God is doing.
2
S: How does God show kindness to us?
C: Through the actions of godly people.
BI: God's kindness is shown to us through the kindness of his people.
3
S: What do we need in times of crisis?
C: We need someone to help us.
BI: We need someone to help us in times of crisis.
4
S: What is God doing that we often don't see?
C: He's working out his eternal purposes in every detail of our lives.
BI: God is working out his eternal purposes in every detail of our lives.
