If you haven't already, read through the whole book of Ruth (only takes about 10 minutes) and jot down some observations, quesions, things you find interesting. Try to get a sense of the movement of the whole story. (There is a link to the right for the full text of Ruth).
Some specific things to keep in mind as you read:
(1) How is the story's understanding of God expressed (statements, questions, prayers, cries, etc)?
(2) What are some of the major elements of the author/story's understanding of God (theology)?
(3) Notice how the story seems to weave the happenings of the story with God's (hidden?) activity?
(4) How are the people and their actions in the story described?
(5) How is the relationship between God and the various people revealed?
(6) What seems to be the main points of the story as a whole?
You don't have to answer all or any of these, but keep them in mind. We'll come back to them throughout.
There is an outline under the pages section (to the right). We will read smaller 'chunks' than the outline, but it will give you an idea of the flow of the story.
Make comments...it's incredibly helpful for the other readers, and ask your questions...even if we don't all come up with answers, the questions get us digging deeper and prayer harder...that's a good thing!
Always, always, always ask how God is speaking through the text to us, calling us, shaping us, changing us, encouraging us. If the Bible isn't lived it isn't heard.
Lots of questions about cultural context. More than many other readings I think we will need some help with things like:
ReplyDelete- the socioeconomic status of widows with respect to the husband's property and family
- the implications of following around the harvesters collecting the left overs
- the significance of the seduction in Ch3 and subsequent marriage in Ch4.
Does any know who the next of kin would be. I am assuming brothers,then who? My husband is an only child and noone with same last name. Does it go to cousins with different last name? I am thinking I might be out of luck. Glad those customs don't exist today!
ReplyDeleteGeneral thoughts on my reading of Ruth
ReplyDelete1. Just because your one of God’s people doesn’t mean things always work out for you (not in this life)
2. Has a somewhat Job-like beginning and end
3. Most of the talk of God/the Lord is in a prayer or blessing
4. Neither Orpah or the closer kinsman are described negatively for their very reasonable decisions
5. Not cycles, but ups and downs – all is seen within God’s control – this means nothing ends forever in the valley
6. Sometimes the most faithful are taken for granted
7. Many of the most pivotal circumstances seem like random ‘chance’ events…but behind them is a providential God
8. Good truly does seem to come to the faithful in significant and strategic ways
9. Radical faithfulness is particularly blessed by the Lord
10. Appreciation for the blessings in life (even when circumstances over all don’t seem to be what we want) seems to open the door for a greater sense of joy
11. The story seems to suggest that being active in our need is important – Ruth, Naomi, Boaz all three seemed to take whatever action they could
12. Though it’s simplistic to say ‘everything just works out for everyone in the end,’ the story seems to suggest that at least some big things seem to come as blessing for those who remain faithful, active in what ways they can, and particularly for those who show radical faithfulness – it isn’t portrayed as a formula, but it is portrayed as a relationship of blessing between God and His people
13. God feels as though He is hidden in the story, and yet the whole story strongly suggests that even if God feels that way, He is profoundly active in His care and guidance
14. What God does in an individual or in a family can have huge implications (end of chapter 4)
Not sure why my comment didn't register...
ReplyDeleteOk - being brutally honest. There are some very good things on the horizon in my life and I am struggling with the acceptance that these are intentional blessings. I say thank you, and I AM thankful, but I don't feel deserving.
ReplyDeleteThis story of Ruth has perfect timing for me right now. It's a reminder that God cares intimately for each of us. His hand is at work. I need to learn to better accept that and not just fear coincidence.
Thanks Wendy. Not sure any of us can truly say we are deserving in the sense of having the right that God bless us. Yet the Bible repeatedly states that from God's perspective, because of His love for us, He does value us and takes joy in blessing us. Glad you've got some coming to you on the horizon. I say 'thanks' to God on your behalf too!
ReplyDeleteDoc's random thoughts : 1. " Where you go , I will go ........Your people will be my people and your God will be my God " one of the best lines in the Bible .I love that !
ReplyDelete2. Boaz greets his hired workers with " The Lord be with you" . How cool is that for a boss? And the response even cooler !" The Lord bless you " .
Makes it sound like the human resource director at Boaz Inc. only hires God fearing workers .
2:22 ( in someone else's field you might be harmed )
3. I am impressed that Ruth " held out " for a man of character rather than perfume herself for a younger man . I am impressed that Boaz waited
who knows how long until Ruth came along .I wonder if I will ever learn to " wait upon the Lord " ?
4. 4:14 The townswomen said " Praise be to the Lord ". ( We don't hear much talk like that anymore.Even among church folk ! )