Redemption in Bethlehem: the Story of Ruth

REDEMPTION IN BETHLEHEM

5 A FEW WORDS ABOUT THIS BOOK

7 INTRODUCTION

9 WEEK ONE: Sovereignty

19 WEEK TWO: Grace

39 WEEK FOUR: Redemption

51 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

4 A few words about this book…

As we move into the Christmas season, you hold in your hands a Bible study guide for use throughout the Advent season… one that’s focused on the Old Testament short story known as Ruth. A little odd? Maybe. Or maybe not. While Ruth is certainly not a traditional Advent text, there are some striking parallels. Ruth is a beautifully written narrative all about redemption through love. Like the gospel itself, Ruth begins with death, but ends resoundingly with life. Ruth is set in the small Hebrew town of Bethlehem. The story revolves around one who is undeserving of love and grace, but freely receives it due to the kindness of another. And, (spoiler alert!), the story ends with Ruth becoming the great-grandmother of King David and humbly stepping into the lineage of Jesus Himself.

We’ll consider this beautifully written story as we journey together through the Advent season this year. With each section of this incredible story, we’ll look at one of the characteristics of our great Redeemer: His sovereignty, His grace, the refuge He gives, His redemption, and finally, on Christmas Eve, the Redeemer Himself. My encouragement for each of us as we walk through this season together is that we use the studies within this book to deepen our understanding©2012 Scott of King this story, and thereby, our understanding of the gospel as well. Within this study guide, you’ll find three studies for each of the four Advent weeks. Please don’t feel pressure to complete every part of these studies—use them in a way that makes sense with your own personal study. If you get stuck on a particular section or question, feel free to move on, and then revisit at a later time. While the studies themselves are intended for adults and teens more than children, I think you’ll find that reading the book of Ruth with your kids will bring out some incredible discussion around the same truths that we are studying each week. In addition to the studies, you’ll also find a sermon notesheet and facilitation questions for each week’s message. These are meant to be used within the LIFE groups at York Alliance, but they could certainly be used as personal or group application questions as well. The intent of this study is to help us all gain a deeper understanding of this timeless and beautifully written narrative.

5 Because of the literary structure and beauty of this piece of the Biblical narrative, I’ve asked Scott King to be the lead writer for this study. While we’ve worked together on this project, he is behind some of the profound ideas this study contains. I will take credit for the holes and the mistakes, but as for the things that really work in this study, Scott is the author. I want to personally express my thanks to him for being willing to use his gifting as a blessing to the body of Christ at York Alliance, and for deepening our Advent celebrations this year.

If you have any questions or comments about the book, I would love to hear them! You are welcomed to email me at [email protected].

Blessings for a joyous and meaningful Advent season, Brian Kannel York Alliance Church

6 Introduction

The structure of the narrative of Ruth is among the most compelling, heart-breaking, and simultaneously beautiful stories in all of scripture. It is a story in the truest sense in that the book of Ruth unravels characters and their struggles from beginning to end. It introduces to us two women, both of whom are products of their suffering, marked by the lot that has been cast against them as well as the commitment that they have to each other and to God. This book asks essential questions about suffering and why it has to be such a giant part of our existence in this life. Ruth is full of questions about the reality that we are born into and the state in which we often find ourselves: questioning wandering wondering warring

Ruth makes the reality of fear a very tangible one: how can we survive in a place where we have such little control, where the people who are closest have left us alone, where God feels distant and the only hope that we have is a very long shot in a very dark place?©2012 Scott On King earth we are products of our fear, and Ruth shows us that love casts out all of our fear until we are left with nothing but the ability to reach for our Savior, who lifts us up to save us from the very fears that have brought us to the end of ourselves.

If you have any doubts as to why we are studying the book of Ruth during Advent at York Alliance Church, as you read the text, remind yourself of the condition into which Christ entered the world. He was not in a position of opulence or of considerable comfort. Christ was brought into this world and placed in a feeding trough. As Isaiah prophesied, he would become a “man of sorrows” who is “despised and rejected by men.” Christ’s life is marked by the following of a select few, the disbelief of many and the death of one. He was familiar with suffering; he was despised; he was rejected; he was feared; he was misunderstood; he was born to die; he died for our life.

7 In Ruth we encounter a very similar experience of life. As you read, as you explore and wonder, remember the life that Christ lived.

Out of suffering and death, the life of grace is discovered.

Out of the deplorable hopelessness of death, God redeemed all of creation.

And, incredibly, He first used the obedience of a Moabite woman to accomplish His purpose for His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Scott King

“Father, I thank You for the privilege of being the recipients of your eternal Word. As we journey through this season of anticipation celebrating the joy of the incarnation, may our joy be made complete again this year as we study Your Word and Your marvelous plan of redemption. Jesus, I pray that You would, in Your grace, show us Yourself as our Redeemer, and then draw our hearts close to Yours so that our faith would be shown in our daily living. Thank You that You are the sovereign God in the midst of life’s struggles and challenges, that You offer us Your free and abundant grace, that You provide a refuge under which we can take shelter, and that You ultimately redeem us by Your great power and through Your great love. Amen.”

SOVEREIGNTY Ruth 1:1-22

Naomi finds herself in a terrible situation. However, in the midst of tragedy, she recognizes that God is ultimately in control. It's out of this brokenness that God's greatest triumph, the incarnation, will emerge. Are we willing to recognize the sovereignty of God in the midst of suffering? It's only in the recognition of God's ability and control that our suffering is given meaning. ©2012 Scott King

9 The Exposition The book of Ruth wastes no time in unraveling a marvelous story of redemption in that it begins at the root of tragedy; it begins with death. Every story that finds its characters experiencing true healing and redemption must have those same characters know what it means to be broken. In Ruth, the author shows us the core of that brokenness in Naomi’s experience of death and her expression of her state to her daughters.

Read Ruth 1:1-22 • What themes do you see unfolding at the onset of this story?

• Describe the state in which the author begins the story. What words would you use to illustrate Naomi’s situation?

• In verses 8-14, Naomi paints a bleak picture of her future, asking very specific things of her daughters. What do you see as significant in this passage?

• In terms of storytelling, what makes verse 14 so meaningful? What do you think the author is trying to illustrate?

10 Slowly re-read Ruth’s response to Naomi’s heart-cry in verses 16-17. • What is your initial reaction to these words?

• How does Ruth’s posture of clinging to Naomi, as compared to Orpah’s obedience to Naomi’s command, influence the meaning behind her words?

As a response to Naomi’s wishes, Orpah expresses love in that she follows Naomi’s wish for her to remarry. Ruth, however, shows her love for Naomi by remaining her daughter. The fact that Ruth “clung” to Naomi (v. 14) is not simply an act of obedience; it’s©2012 also Scott an King act of commitment. Ruth’s verbal response following her posture is an earnest plea that nothing will separate her from Naomi, not even death. At the very core of this expression of commitment to Naomi is a promise to accept her God. Naomi’s trust in God and love for Orpah and Ruth in the midst of doubt and questioning then, is a powerful expression of faith in that it leads Ruth to regard herself as under the covenant of God’s chosen people.

• How has God used other people in the midst of pain to point you back to Himself?

11 The Problem of Evil The first chapter of Ruth is a tragic unfolding of the problem of evil. At the center of the problem is the tension of “doubt vs. faith,” represented in Naomi’s desperate heart cry and Ruth’s faithful following. As we continue through Ruth, we will return to these two truths, understanding them both in light of God’s plan for redemption, both individually for Ruth and Naomi and eternally for the sin of the world. As we consider the reality of evil under the sovereignty of a loving God, the two perspectives of Naomi and Ruth, doubt and faith, serve as mighty truths as we approach the question of why God permits suffering and what our response should be.

Focusing first on the doubt of Naomi in the midst of her suffering, re-read verses 19-22. • What is your initial response to Naomi’s words? Are they appropriate?

Read Psalm 88. As you do, consider the similarities between the psalm and Naomi’s words at the end of chapter 1. • In what ways do the psalmist and Naomi express God’s sovereignty in the same way?

12 • In what ways is Psalm 88 an appropriate prayer for Naomi?

The writer of Ruth is deliberately shocking the reader at the beginning of the story, asking why anyone should need to suffer so deeply. It is very intentional that we are shown a side of God’s sovereignty that is extremely difficult to understand: even though our suffering may seem too much to bear, our pain too intense to endure, our cries too angry to be heard, God still has a plan. Ruth gives us a humble response to God’s difficult sovereignty. Read verses 16 and 17 again. • How do Ruth’s words represent faithful following, both of God and man? (Consider also the likelihood that Ruth knew little of the one true God, Yahweh).

• How does Ruth’s faithfulness (vv. 16-17) compare with Naomi’s doubt (vv. 12-13) and how does it affect Naomi (v. 18)?

13 The Call to Faith Naomi’s husband’s name is Elimelech. In Hebrew, the name means, “My God is King.” 1 As Christians, we often wrongly see God’s sovereignty as an unshakeable protection over our lives. While God certainly loves us beyond measure, it does not necessarily mean that we are promised safety. We are, however, promised freedom from fear. Part of the significance of faith, as expressed by Ruth, is that God gives us what we need to sustain us in the midst of doubt so that we need not fear “the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.” 2 If God really is King, our faith must reflect that truth as we express our doubt and our fear.

Reread the first chapter of Ruth.

Naomi’s expression of doubt is an honest one. Consider her situation: famine has taken over the land, her husband and two sons are dead, and she is left widowed. • In light of the difficult reality, how does Naomi’s anger and doubt against God show a type of belief?

• When you read Naomi’s words, what truth do you find?

1 Atkinson, David. The Message of Ruth. England: InterVarsity Press, 1983, p. 34-35. 2 Psalm 91:5-6, ESV 14 • How does Ruth’s response to Naomi’s faithfulness demonstrate the truth about death?

The faithful devotion of Ruth, and Naomi too, for she does not abandon God in the midst of her pain, but she responds to an extremely difficult reality with a heavy heart, serves as a model for our own response to our Father. If God really is King, sovereign over all things, how should we respond to the situations in our lives that are difficult, that bring us to the end of ourselves, nearly breaking us of all that is true? Use the space remaining to write a prayer to God. Confess your doubt in the ways that you seek to control your life. Come before Him and reaffirm your faith in light of His sovereignty over you. As you write, pray to our Father in Heaven and ask Him for the faith that is so easy to neglect.

15 LIFE Group Facilitation Sheet

Welcome one another in Jesus’ name! Icebreaker: “What is your favorite part about the holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s)?”

Worship Jesus through Scripture, music, singing, and prayer. Be creative! Invite Him to the center of your gathering.

Word: Ruth 1:1-22

• How is Jesus working in your life right now? • Has anything specific jumped out to you, either in this passage or in the study guide this week? • What’s an area of your life that has in the past (or currently does!) seemed out of control? • Is it more comforting to you to see Jesus as the One who is behind the suffering that you endure, or to see Him as removed from it? Why? • Are there times that you have been angry with God? How did you handle those feelings? • How does God use people, in the midst of pain and difficulties, to point you back to Himself? • Do you find yourself identifying with those who suffer? Why or why not? What are some©2012 ways Scott that King you could identify with those who are going through suffering? • How could we as a community be a part of offering grace in the midst of suffering? • How could we as a community help one another endure suffering faithfully?

Works: The Christmas season has begun! Consider ways that you as a group can make an impact on those around you. In the past, groups have hosted neighborhood gatherings, gone caroling, served alongside of various organizations, and looked for opportunities to simply be a blessing through things like giving away coffee and hot chocolate at local Christmas tree stands. How might your group make an impact on the world around you? Start planning… and start praying!

Note: Please check the website for any announcements and upcoming events! www.yorkalliance.org

16 Sovereignty Ruth 1:1-22

Sermon Notes:

GRACE Ruth 2:1-23

When we are most deeply aware of our need, it is then that we can most fully appreciate God's grace. In the midst of hopelessness, God shines the light of His grace on Ruth and Naomi through the kindness of Boaz. We respond to grace one of two ways: arrogantly, we feel like we deserve it; or in humility, we feel amazed, grateful and empowered by it.

19 The Pursuit of Grace The book of Ruth is a love story. It reflects the entire theme of the Bible, which is also a book about love. The central theme of scripture is that God is love; he is the very essence of complete sacrifice for the other in that He released His son Jesus into the world to minister to the hurting and die for the broken. In the second chapter of Ruth, we begin to see very distinct gospel parallels as Ruth’s helplessness is met with kindness and grace in the acts of Boaz toward her.

Read Ruth 2:1-23 • What evidence are we immediately given to show that Boaz is an honorable man?

• Notice the relationship between Boaz and his reapers (men working the fields under his employ). What stands out to you about their interaction and how does the interaction reveal Boaz’s character?

As we come to understand who Boaz is, we must realize that Boaz had known of the return of Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehem. He knew that Ruth was committed to her mother-in-law and that she had found faith in God. Boaz knew that Ruth’s actions were carried out in love. Knowing this, consider Boaz’s response to Ruth’s questions in verses 11 and 12. • What stands out to you about Boaz’s response to Ruth?

20 Remember that Boaz’s act of grace toward Ruth is immediately following the famine in Israel (1:1) and in the midst of the famine in Moab (1:6). In Boaz, we see a man who is generous with what he has in recognition of the God who provides, even at a time when being stingy would be easily understood. In Ruth, we have a picture of moving out of the dryness of self-life into the abundant grace of God. • Consider the way Ruth’s perspective changes from a question in verse 10 to a statement of affirmation in verse 13. What do you think this says about her understanding of Boaz and her response to grace?

• What parallels do you see between Boaz’s pursuit of Ruth and Christ’s pursuit of us?

Christ’s desire for us is one that is©2012 witnessed Scott King on the cross. Consider the words from a few verses of this song, which is written from the perspective of Christ to His bride, the church:

Like a man comes to an altar, I came into this town With the world upon my shoulders and promises passed down And I went into the water and my father, he was pleased Oh I built it and I’ll tear it down, so you will be set free

Go on and take my picture, go on and make me up Oh, I’ll still be your defender; you’ll be my missing son Oh and I’ll send out an army just to bring you back to me ‘Cause regardless of your brothers’ lies, oh, you will be set free

Because I am my beloved’s and my beloved’s mine So, you bring all your history, I’ll bring the bread and wine Oh and we’ll have us a party oh where all the drinks are on me And as surely as the rising sun, oh, you will be set free Oh, you will be set free 3

3 Webb, Derek. “Lover.” She Must and Shall Go Free. INO Records. 2003 21 The Invitation to Grace Amor vincit omnia, says the poet: “Love conquers all.” 4 Does this imply that it conquers even death? The Bible says that love is stronger than death. 5 But what does this mean? The story of Ruth gives us a beautiful answer to this very question. How can the horror and finality of death be redeemed? How can we experience new life? The answer is love: “It means that when love and death meet, it is death that is changed, not love.” 6 Christ shows us this in that he conquered sin and death to give us true life. Out of the sacrifice of love, death is forever changed in that it is not an end. For Ruth, the conflict of love and death is overcome with an invitation. Out of the ashes of sorrow comes the beauty of new life that is witnessed in a gracious act of love.

Read Ephesians 2:1-10. • What does Paul say about our condition before we experience God’s grace?

• What happens when our death encounters Christ’s life?

Our experience of the love of God is witnessed in a gift that is given freely, an invitation to receive grace from the Father. Take time to slowly read Boaz’s invitation to grace and Ruth’s embrace of it in Ruth 2:11-16.

4 Virgil, Eclogues 5 Song of Solomon 8:7 6 Kreeft, Peter. Love is Stronger Than Death. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1992, p. 106. 22 • We have already seen how Ruth positioned herself to receive grace. Notice the way in which the invitation follows Ruth’s position. How does Boaz’s offer of grace respond to Ruth’s willingness to receive it?

• Boaz gives Ruth the complete freedom to enter in to his wealth. How does this contrast the life that Ruth has just come out of?

• For Ruth, how does the stronghold of death change in the face of an act of love?

• Now, read Mark 8:1-11—what parallels do you see? Is there an area of your life where you’re missing the abundant provision of God?

23 The Response to Grace True grace is always difficult to respond to because it demands nothing in return but an act of acceptance. We have witnessed this in Ruth’s story. Grace also shows us who we are, where we have come from, what we are afraid of, and why all those things get in the way of our ability to more frequently cling to the grace offered to us through Christ Jesus. This is why, often, our initial response upon receiving the unconditional offer of love is, like Ruth, one of unworthiness. (Ruth 2:10)

Let us consider David’s prayer of confession of the heart of unworthiness. Read Psalm 51:1-19. • David is coming out of a situation of brokenness. Where Ruth’s is providential, David’s suffering is willful. Despite the distinction, how is David’s heart honest before God as Ruth’s is before Naomi?

1. 7. 2. 8. 3. 9. 4. 10. 5. 11. 6. 12.

• What does David’s prayer reveal about the attitude of the heart as it positions itself to receive grace?

24 As people living in a broken world, it is easy to be sorrowful regarding our condition. Our suffering, whether brought on by our own decisions or a product of circumstance, causes separation between God and man. As we find ourselves drawn to sin and to the broken world around us, we are stifled by our situations. What is our response? Consider the words of the hymn:

Truly he taught us to love on another, His law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all with in us praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! Oh praise His name forever! His power and glory evermore proclaim […] Fall on your knees. 7

• How do you position yourself to receive God’s grace?

The grace of God is an unfathomable reality: God sees our wickedness and proclaims us clean because of his love for us. The slaves are set free; the broken are made whole; the dead are raised. God’s grace demands no payment, but it does require a response. Just like Ruth, fall on your knees and receive the gift of grace as the Lord restores your soul.

7 Dwight, John Sullivan. “O Holy Night.” 1855. 25 LIFE Group Facilitation Sheet

Welcome one another in Jesus’ name! Icebreaker: “If you could get only get ONE thing for Christmas, and it couldn’t be money, what would it be?”

Worship Jesus through Scripture, music, singing, and prayer. Be creative! Invite Him to the center of your gathering.

Word: Ruth 2:1-23

• How is Jesus working in your life right now? • Has anything specific jumped out to you, either in this passage or in the study guide this week? • Can you think of a time that you were in real need of grace (unmerited favor)? If so, are you comfortable sharing that time? If not, what are some emotions that you felt at that point? • What characteristics of Jesus draw you to Him? • If you had to describe how you approach Jesus, how would you describe it? • What are some things that you find yourself doing to “earn” the grace that you’ve been given? What’s the difference between trying to earn grace and living out of the reality of grace? Can you tell the difference from the outside? • Read Mark 8:1-11. How ©2012does Scott the King provision of Jesus of bread and fish parallel the provision of grain that Boaz gave Ruth? What does that look like in your life? • How can we as a community help one another most fully engage the grace we’ve been given?

Works: Continue to plan events and engage opportunities this holiday season. Pray specifically for opportunities to speak about the Truth of Christmas with those in your life this season. During this time of year, the name of Jesus is boldly and regularly spoken—pray specifically for opportunities to display the reality of the Name by your life and words, and then the boldness to do it!

Note: Please check the website for any announcements and upcoming events! www.yorkalliance.org

26 Grace Ruth 2:1-23

Sermon Notes:

REFUGE Ruth 3:1-18

When the grace of God is shown to us, we are called to take faith-filled risks in response to His love and grace. Righteousness is not simply found in passive obedience and the avoidance of sin; it must also be found in an aggressive pursuit of God's best for us in humble recognition of His grace.

29 The Call to Refuge When we are witnesses to God’s grace, we are called to respond in some way. Throughout Ruth’s story thus far, she has been a witness to grace and has been invited into the experience of grace. In the third chapter, we see Ruth responding in active obedience to the grace shown to her.

Read Ruth 3:1-18

There are some important cultural implications that we must understand before continuing with Ruth’s story. Upon the death of her husband, Ruth entered into a position where she would, under Jewish law, receive the care and support of her family, specifically, Ruth would have entered in to a new marriage relationship with her husband’s closest unmarried brother, known as a “levir,” 8 or kinsman. Under certain circumstances, the kinsman had the obligation to marry his brother’s widow to raise up a family for the dead man so that the children from this new family could inherit the property of the deceased. 9 We learn that Boaz is not the closest kinsman- redeemer, 10 yet Ruth still pursues him in a desire for marriage and heritage by obeying Naomi’s will for her to marry. 11 • How does Boaz’s revelation in vs. 12 and declaration in vs. 13 show him to be a man of righteousness?©2012 Scott King

• Look at the parallel between vs. 17 and 1:21. What is the author trying to communicate to us about Boaz, as well as the faithfulness of God?

8 Atkinson, David. The Message of Ruth. England: InterVarsity Press, 1983, p. 87 9 Duguid, Iain. Esther & Ruth. New Jersey: P&R Publishing Co., 2005, p. 172. 10 Ruth 3:12 11 Ruth 1:12-13 30 In verses 9-13 we see an interaction that has deep symbolism. Simply stated, Ruth’s request to Boaz in verse 9 is a request for marriage. 12

• Read Ezekiel 16:8-14. What meaning is given to Ruth’s request of Boaz knowing the prayer that God declares over Jerusalem?

• List a few parallels between God’s pursuit of Israel and Boaz’s pursuit of Ruth.

• How does Ruth’s act of obedience compare to our own pursuit of grace?

• What promises of God’s grace over us do we see in Boaz’s declaration over Ruth (v. 10-11)?

12 Atkinson, David. The Message of Ruth. England: InterVarsity Press, 1983, p. 101

31 The Longing for Refuge The story of Ruth’s journey to a new covenant and the promise of redemption reaches its climax in chapter 3. The pursuit of obedience and the love that Ruth has for Naomi proves to be the means by which Ruth receives grace. The struggle through death and suffering is satisfied in the love that Boaz shows to her. The language of Ruth’s pursuit is the same language that is used throughout the Bible in man’s longing for God and God’s desire for relationship with his people.

Read Ruth 2:12 and 3:9. • What clear parallels do you see in the language of Boaz and of Ruth?

• What is the significance of the concept of “refuge,” understanding Ruth’s story?

The words of Ruth and Boaz are, of course, not isolated expressions of the desire for refuge. Throughout the ©2012Psalms, Scott King we experience similar images of God’s “wings” providing a place of safety, a place of refreshment and stillness, a place of help and peace and a place of hope. 13 Read the following Psalms and consider the image of the wings of God. What role do they play as the psalmist pursues the Father?

• Psalm 63:7

• Psalm 36:7

13 Atkinson, David. The Message of Ruth. England: InterVarsity Press, 1983, p. 76 32 • Psalm 17:8-9

• Psalm 57:1

• Psalm 91:1-2

Upon witnessing the kindness and love of Boaz, Ruth’s future is changed forever. She comes to Bethlehem lonely, anxious and drained by the horror of death, but she finds safety, refreshment, help and peace in the actions of Boaz toward her. It is through Boaz’s prayer that she experiences the redemption of God and the invitation to a covenant. 14

• How is God’s invitation of grace received in your life?

14 Ibid. 33 The Faithfulness of Refuge What we see in Ruth chapter 3 is unprecedented commitment. This is witnessed in both Ruth’s pursuit of Boaz, and Boaz’s response to Ruth. Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi and to Boaz is seen in her willingness not to pursue her likely desire for younger men 15 before her dedication to family. Because Ruth commits herself to Naomi from the beginning (Ruth 1:16- 17), she obeys by showing herself faithful, and in return, Boaz is faithful to Ruth’s pursuit by providing for her even though he’s not obligated to.

Read Galatians 5:1-6. • What does Paul say about God’s commitment to us?

• What does our commitment to God require?

Similar to the commitment of Ruth, Paul declares that the only the thing that brings us into true relationship is “faith working through love.” Indeed, Ruth’s faithfulness to Boaz was rewarded. Just as our faith in Christ Jesus gives us the fullness of freedom from death, Ruth’s faithful commitment to the words of Boaz gave her freedom from the curse of death that led her to Bethlehem.

Read Boaz’s response to Ruth’s request for refuge in verses 10-18. • What does Boaz ask of Ruth?

15 Ruth 3:10 34 • How do Boaz’s words in verse 11 serve as a true comfort as Ruth seeks refuge?

• How does Ruth’s obedience continue, even through the seeming obstacle of the more closely related kinsman-redeemer?

As Ruth returns to her mother-in-law to tell her of Boaz’s promise, she asks, “How did you fare, my daughter?” The more literal translation of the Hebrew actually reads, “Who are you, my daughter?” The question is the very same one that Boaz asks of Ruth earlier in the chapter (v. 9). When Naomi asks, she wants to know if Ruth has become a woman of significance, not one who was a product of death at the beginning of the story. Essentially, is Ruth the one who will give Naomi a place of significance in the genealogy of Israel? 16

• Consider the ways in which God may be asking you, “Who are you, ______?” How has your response to grace impacted your identity?

16 Duguid, Iain. Esther & Ruth. New Jersey: P&R Publishing Co., 2005, p. 176. 35 LIFE Group Facilitation Sheet

Welcome one another in Jesus’ name! Icebreaker: “Is there an aspect of the Christmas season that you don’t like?”

Worship Jesus through Scripture, music, singing, and prayer. Be creative! Invite Him to the center of your gathering.

Word: Ruth 3:1-18

• How is Jesus working in your life right now? • Has anything specific jumped out to you, either in this passage or in the study guide this week? • What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken in your life of faith? • In what ways is truly living according to the call of the gospel a risky proposition? • How does the response of Boaz to the risk of Ruth parallel the response of God to the faith-filled risks that we are called to take? • Ruth and Boaz both made deeply righteous decisions within moments where their integrity was tested. Have you had situations like that in your life? How have you responded? • What is an obstacle that you’ve encountered to living the life that you believe that God is calling you to live? How have you handled that obstacle? ©2012 Scott King • Is our group one that readily takes risks? Why or why not? What would it look like for us to live that way? What is a “faith-filled risk” that we could take as a group in the coming year?

Works: Faith-filled risks for the Christian often come back to boldness in speaking about faith to others within our sphere of influence. Pray very specifically that God would give boldness and discernment to each person within your group. If possible, have them list a specific person with whom they recognize that God is calling them to take a risk in conversation this week. Then, follow-up with them throughout the week and at next week’s meeting. Tell stories of the faithfulness of God!

Note: Please check the website for any announcements and upcoming events! www.yorkalliance.org

36 Refuge Ruth 3:1-18

Sermon Notes:

REDEMPTION Ruth 4:1-22

Boaz fulfills all righteousness in his redemption of Ruth. By redeeming Ruth, he also redeems Naomi from her seemingly hopeless situation, and even more importantly, humbly takes his place within the grand narrative of God's redemption of all humanity. By the inclusion of this Moabite widow in the lineage of Jesus, God makes a strong statement ©2012 Scott King of salvation for all.

39 The Promise of Redemption All truly meaningful stories, tales that cause us to yearn for redemption, are those that give its readers the most heartfelt experience of catharsis , or the purging of emotional tensions. In Ruth’s journey to redemption, we find the moment of catharsis in chapter 4. Ruth’s experience of suffering in the death of those to whom she is closest is cause for yearning for catharsis, for redemption. In any moment of true suffering we experience a distance from God; we feel as though he is far from us, and the longing for catharsis is a need to have our relationship renewed once again. What is witnessed in chapter 4 is the reality of the promise of redemption. Ruth’s encounter with Boaz in chapter 3 shows us that God will remain faithful. In this final chapter, His faithfulness is shown in the redemption of Ruth.

Read Ruth 4:1-12. • How do Boaz’s actions at the beginning of chapter 4 fulfill his word to Ruth at the end of chapter 3?

Boaz’s process of addressing Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer is interesting in that he withholds information that has not been revealed at all until chapter 4, that is, Naomi is now in ownership of land that was property of Elimilech before his death. What Boaz does is he offers the land to the redeemer first, to fulfill his promise to Ruth, but what he does not do is inform the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth’s connection to the land, as Ruth is tied to Elimilech’s name.

40 • How does Boaz satisfy his responsibility to Elimilech (law) and his desire for Ruth (love)?

As God lavishes His grace on us, His desire is always for our hearts. He longs to see us brought to Himself so that we might experience true life and not be committed to the things around us. Christ isn’t after our stuff or our ability to understand our salvation; he wants our hearts. Boaz first takes care of the things that are secondary to his relationship to Ruth; he offers up the land, the inheritance, and he holds Ruth closest to himself. • In what ways do we withhold our hearts from God or create hindrances in our relationship with him because of peripheral distractions?

• What obstacles do you see in your life that Christ would ask you to lay aside so that you might more fully pursue Him?

41 The Joy of Redemption Part of what makes Ruth such a beautiful story of redemption is the role that joy plays in Ruth and Boaz’s experience as they pursue each other. Joy is something that is altogether separate from happiness and from pleasure; rather, joy is the experience of the divine, of having witnessed something Heavenly, or that which is from God: “ Joy […] has indeed one characteristic, […] the fact that anyone who has experienced it will want it again. I doubt whether anyone who has tasted it would ever, if both were in his power, exchange it for all the pleasures in the world. 17

Read Ruth 4:1-22

One of the things that is significant about Boaz’s interaction with Ruth’s nearer redeemer is the joy and kindness with which he expresses the situation. Consider this perspective: “In the Deuteronomic law, […] when the [kinsman-redeemer] refused to do his duty, his sandal was removed from him – he was stripped of his rights, as a mark of public humiliation.” 18 • How do the circumstances of Boaz’s redemption of Ruth differ from the tradition, which would have expressed humiliation and even anger at this lack of commitment to©2012 the Scott bereaved? King

• In what ways do you see joy expressed in the redemption of Ruth?

17 Lewis, C.S. Surprised by Joy. England: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1955, p. 18 18 Atkinson, David. The Message of Ruth. England: InterVarsity Press, 1983, p. 116

42 Read Hebrews 12:1-2 • How does Boaz’s redemption of Ruth parallel Christ’s redemption of us?

• How do you understand Christ’s joy in his suffering for you?

• Considering C.S. Lewis’ expression of joy at the beginning of today’s study, what does it say about Christ’s love for us in that he experienced joy in his suffering?

• How might your life look different if you were able to respond to your suffering, your struggles and set backs with joy?

43 The Fulfillment of Redemption The story of Ruth begins with the bleak devastation of death and it ends with the celebration of hope. The story is hopeful beyond what the author originally knew, as Ruth’s struggle becomes a piece of the fabric that God uses to weave into his beautiful mosaic for the plan of redemption through his Son, Jesus.

Read Ruth 4:13-22 • How is the summation of Ruth’s experience satisfied at the end of the book?

• How is Naomi’s perspective at the beginning of the book (1:20-21) transformed by the end (4:14-15)?

In addition to the beautiful act of redemption itself, Boaz’s faithfulness to Ruth also establishes her history, even more than Ruth knew. Ruth is blessed with a son, but what we find out at the end of the story is the beautiful plan of God. • How’s is Ruth’s hope brought to fulfillment?

• How does God use Ruth’s hope to satisfy the hope of the world?

44 Step outside of this story, and consider Ruth’s place in history: a widowed, displaced woman with no hope and no future who puts her devotion in a woman because they have the death of their husbands in common. God rewards Ruth’s faithfulness and obedience making her devotion a part of the coming of the Son of God. • What does this broader view of history say about our own faithfulness in the midst of suffering?

• Read Mary’s song upon the foretelling of the coming of Christ in Luke 1:46-55. What parallels do you see between Ruth’s heart of faith throughout her story and Mary’s prayerful obedience in the magnificat?

• How is Ruth’s story represented in Mary’s prayer?

Throughout history, God is unfolding his plan for the redemption of all people. He uses the most destitute and horrifying situations to show the fullness of His glory, allowing all things to come to a great knowledge of a gracious Savior. God took the brokenness of Ruth’s life and restored it into a beautiful expression of obedience. As you consider the incarnation and how in one moment, God brought the complete expression of Himself to earth, forever uniting heaven and earth, contemplate your own place in that plan. Take time on the next two pages to question, declare and celebrate how God has uniquely gifted you to take part in His plan of redemption, and write a prayer asking Him to use you in that plan. 45

47 LIFE Group Facilitation Sheet

Welcome one another in Jesus’ name! Icebreaker: “What are your plans for Christmas day?”

Worship Jesus through Scripture, music, singing, and prayer. Be creative! Invite Him to the center of your gathering.

Word: Ruth 4:1-22

• How is Jesus working in your life right now? • Has anything specific jumped out to you, either in this passage or in the study guide this week? • If you were going to write a “vision” or “purpose” statement over your entire life , what kinds of things would it include? • As you look at your life right now, what are some of the eternal things that you are apart of? • What about this group: If we were going to write a “vision” or “purpose” statement for this group, what kinds of things would it include? • As you look at the life of this group right now, what are some of the eternal things that we are apart of?

Works: Take some time to talk together about the Christmas season. What went well? What were some©2012 missed Scott King opportunities? Pray over specific connections that have been made, or maybe that are still be made in the coming weeks. Also, take time to dream a little about the year ahead—where is this group going? How can we as a group be part of something significant and eternal in the coming year?

Note: Please check the website for any announcements and upcoming events! www.yorkalliance.org

48 Redemption Ruth 4:1-22

Sermon Notes:

50 Acknowledgements

I pray for all of you who have endured this study through to the very end, for I fear that anyone who is a willing participant in the backwards chaos that is my fully functioning mind must be experiencing some second- degree chaos themselves. I realize that after utilizing seven study guides that Brian has so eloquently produced for York Alliance, having such a barbaric shift in style could be exceedingly abrasive, so thank you, first of all, to you for being gracious in your reception of my very different style of writing and studying.

This study was an exercise in discipline for me in that I came to realize, even after using countless other devotional material and attempting to study the word individually, that developing the content is much more difficult than participating in it. God used the book of Ruth in an amazing way to stir my own heart into the romance of His plan of redemption. The study was essential in the personal development of my own knowledge of God’s word, and while I realize I am not the person most adequately equipped to take on such a task, God continues to use my limited knowledge, my two coins, to draw me to Himself. For that I am humbled.

©2012 Scott King I, of course, was not alone in the development of this study. Brian, thank you for your trust in my limited ability as a writer and my lesser ability as a student of God’s word. I feel like I’m still learning, and your confidence and encouragement are great gifts. Thank you for your generous criticism and your vital questions along the way. This guide is just one of the many products of your friendship and investment in me for so many years. I recognize that often God captures my heart by first romancing my mind, and you have been such a vital part of that mystery taking place in my life. For that I am thankful.

Christopher, you have done an unbelievable work in creating an image that conveys an unimaginable truth. How do you image God’s promise of redemption over our lives? Thank you for enduring my constant nit picking, criticisms and questions. Thank you for sharing in my never satiated longing for excellence. Thank you for not being satisfied with the

51 status quo and daring to do things that would otherwise be overlooked. You have an eye for the small things, and that is a rare gift. Your friendship is a rare gift. For that I am honored.

The author of all previous York Alliance study guides has this annoying habit of listing all the bands that “influence his study,” but everyone knows it’s really just an opportunity for him to get you all to drink the kool-aid of the bands that he loves most… I suppose that’s actually a pretty fantastic medium to get people to listen to great music, so in the same vein, I would like to thank a few authors whose texts have served as heart-wrenching reminders of God’s unending pursuit of redemption in our lives.

The writings of Peter Kreeft have become a true treasure of mine, and I believe with all my heart that, apart from the gospels, no other books have taught me as much about what it means to love as his texts, Love is Stronger Than Death and The God Who Loves You. Both of these were significant in unraveling the mysterious way in which God pursues his children. C.S. Lewis’ The Problem of Pain also served in aiding some of the most difficult questions regarding the reason for our suffering. Lastly, it was the writing of the great lovers of literature whom©2012 ScottI constantly King fall back on to remind me what love looks like in the world around us: Dostoevsky, Tolkien, Shakespeare, Milton, O’Connor and Auden.

Finally, my adoring wife from whom I stole countless hours of time, first of all forgive me for my isolation. The hours spent in low-lit rooms with headphones covering my ears, aided by endless cups of coffee were not meant to cast you out. Rachel, thank you for allowing me to engage this in a way that was so helpful for my own heart. As we learn to digest these truths together, I ask that God will continue to give me the strength to lay aside my own desires so that I might learn to love you more deeply as we pursue Him with all that we have. I wouldn’t trade you for all the U2 tickets in the world.

God is pursuing us with everything. I pray that this guide serves as a reminder that we are called to do the same.