Get the appYour STM Cross-cultural Journey With RuthSample
Time to share blessings—and offload some emotional baggage
Summary: Can Ruth overcome the challenges of her foreign background and be accepted as a member of the family?
Setup: After her unexpected experience with the master at the midday meal, Ruth continued to work. With some extra help from Boaz’s harvesters, she has gathered an unusually large amount of barley—more than 30 pounds’ worth!
In addition, she has her lunch leftovers. The roasted grain is evidence of her special invitation to join Boaz and the harvesters. She also has Boaz’s invitation to continue gleaning in his fields—a promise of continuing blessing.
Now it is time to go home to Naomi. The good things she brings are sure to be a surprise. Ruth wonders if it will change Naomi’s perspective about their situation—or about her.
Re-Read: Ruth 1:22-2:2; Read: Ruth 2:17-23, observing references to “Ruth the Moabite” or “Ruth the Moabitess.”
Then come back and tackle the questions below!
Reflect: Why do you think the author made a point of mentioning Ruth’s heritage at certain points in this chapter?
Look Back: Think about a time in the past when you entered a new situation as an outsider. Did you eventually become accepted into the group? If so, how did that happen? What role did you play? What role did others play?
Look Around: What evidence do you see that God’s servants (where you are helping this week) identify as members of the community that they serve in? What evidence do you see that the community accepts them?
Ask God & Others: Were there things that God’s servants had to voluntarily give up—or begin doing—to help gain acceptance into the community? How long does that take?
Pray & Plan: Pray that God will reveal two things that you have in common with a local friend this week. Think of someone back home that you would like to make a connection with upon your return. Write their name down.
Dig Deeper: Acceptance is encouraging, but sometimes God’s workers have to risk confrontation with the people they serve. Jesus interacted often with Gentiles or Samaritans. Find at least two examples. Note how He was (or wasn’t) accepted by the locals.
Scripture
About this Plan
You are never more like Jesus than when you cross cultures to serve others. That is because Jesus crossed the greatest cultural gulf ever when He voluntarily left His heavenly throne and took on human form to meet our greatest need. During His season on earth, Jesus made a point of crossing borders with His disciples to serve people of other cultures. Before leaving earth He instructed His followers to go and disciple all peoples. This study is designed especially for those on short-term trips across cultural boundaries. Commit to framing each day with Scripture and spending regular time with your Redeemer. Observe the people you have come to serve—and those who are already there serving for the long term. Trust your Redeemer to work in you and through you on this trip. You are going to have an amazing journey!
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