Get the appLearning Hope From Naomi’s Loss: Readings From RuthSample
Reflect on today’s reading using these questions:
- What has changed for Naomi?
- Who brought this about?
Blessings Through Unexpected Ways
Notice that Ruth is almost always identified as a Moabite—a foreigner, a despised outsider. Then see the risks she chooses to take. Finally, note the protections God provides her through Boaz.
In chapters 2–4, we see God caring for Ruth, and by extension for Naomi, in behind-the-scenes ways. Ruth starts gleaning grain in a field, according to the custom for impoverished people, and that field turns out to belong to a wealthy man named Boaz, a close relative of Naomi (2:1–3).
Boaz notices and honors Ruth, shares his lunch with her, tells others not to abuse her, and provides extra grain for her (2:4–17). His care for this foreign widow reflects God’s heart for those who are vulnerable and are outsiders (Deuteronomy 10:18–19).
Naomi begins to notice God’s care in these small things, exclaiming, “The LORD always keeps his promises to the living and the dead.… That man is a close relative of ours, one of those responsible for taking care of us” (Ruth 2:20 GNT).
Reflect on your story:
- What are some ways that God cared for (or may be caring for) you during a hard time?
Scripture
About this Plan
The story of Naomi and Ruth is well-known and greatly loved. But the brevity and familiarity of this beautiful story of redemption can cause us to pass over the themes of loss, trauma, and restoration too quickly. On this plan, you will discover how the experience of great loss changes us and affects our views of God and the unexpected ways that God can express his care and provision.
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