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The last verse of the book of Judges says, “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” (NLT). Turn the page, and the book of Ruth begins within that context. Ruth’s faithfulness stands in stark contrast to the faithlessness of Israel at the time.
The story starts with a tragedy that forces Naomi to head back to her home country of Israel. Her newly widowed daughter-in-law, Ruth, shows incredible loyalty and goes with her. Ruth loves Naomi deeply. There’s no logical reason she would leave her homeland for a foreign country where she would be a cultural outsider with no connections but her widowed mother-in-law who has been gone for years. As a Moabite, it would be extremely hard for Ruth to be accepted by the Jewish people. And as a widow, she would have virtually no value in their society. Knowing all of this, she still chose to go.
As you read, notice how Ruth sets an example of faithfulness and extravagant love. Ask yourself, how could you show someone extravagant love today?
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About this Plan
Ruth is the story of a brave and humble woman. It is also the story of death, immigration, poverty, bitterness, and loneliness. Through it all the sovereignty of God brings about His purposes as He moves the narrative from death to life, barrenness to fruitfulness, cursing to blessing, bitterness to worship, loneliness to community, and frustration to answered prayer. In the end, Ruth and her story point us to Jesus.
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