The Book of Ruth | Hope Returns
How to use it: After watching/listening to this week’s message, from May 21, 2023, use the questions to go deeper into the message, with your group…or on your own. The questions will introduce you to the topic, reflect content from the sermon, go ‘Beyond the Message’, & get you thinking about practical applications for your life.
We have all had, “one of those days” when it feels like everything is going wrong. Share a story of an experience you have had like that. Did it make you pause and question why this was happening?
The names of people in the ancient near east were often based upon personal events or characteristics.
a. Do you know what your name means? Does it happen to reflect your life or characteristic?
b. Recall the meaning of the names Elimelek, Mahlon, and Kilion and how they fit into the story (v.3-5).
c. What does the name Naomi mean? What does Naomi change her name to (v.20)? What event and feelings led her to make this decision?
Pastor Mark stated that “the things God permits to happen are the often the very things through which we experience the hesed (loving kindness) of God.”
a. Read John 9:1-3. What view of hardships did the disciples have? What does Jesus mean by “this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in him.”
b. Share a difficulty you endured that strengthened or taught you something of spiritual value?
Laments are passionate expressions of grief and sorrow expressed towards God.
a. How comfortable are you with lamenting? Is this something you have done?
b. As you read the following Psalms, try to determine the author’s complaint against God, and then his perspective in the end. Psalm 6, 10, 22, 43.
c. Read Ruth 1:20-22. What was Naomi’s lament? Do you think she had lost faith in God? What evidence is there that she had lost sight of God’s goodness? What evidence is there that God was working, and hope had returned to Judah?
d. How can we practice lamenting without losing sight of God’s presence and the hope he offers?