Ruth / week 1

A university student wrote to J. R. R. Tolkien after reading Lord of the Rings, "You have made loyalty and courage more meaningful to me." Loyalty doesn't get much "press" today. It's present in the lives of many, but isn't heralded like it used to be when people signed their letters "Your loyal friend." In Ruth we find a model of loyalty that would bring much to our friendships today.

Watch the Bible Project Video for Ruth on YouTube

Read chapters 1 and 2 of Ruth and answer the following questions

Discovering the Word

• How does Ruth's relationship with Naomi differ from Orpah's (1:10, 14, 16-18)?

• What are the practical implications of the choice Ruth makes in contrast to the choice Orpah makes?

• Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at the time of the barley harvest (1:22). What does Ruth's willingness to be a gleaner tell us about her (2:2)?

• How does the regard that Boaz has for Ruth and her position in Israel (2:11-12) differ from Ruth's concept of herself (2:10, 13)?

• Put yourself in Ruth's place. How would it feel to be a foreigner, needing to work hard to support your mother-in-law?

Applying the Word

• What motivates your own loyalty?

• What loyalties are important to you as a Christian, regardless of cost?

Responding in Prayer

• Ask God to build you into a person of loyalty.