MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
(Ruth 3:3)
How Naomi mentored Ruth exemplifies the power of faith and resilience, guiding generations towards a lasting legacy.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 21: Ruth Is Counselled By Naomi (Ruth 1:8-9)
Tue 22: Ruth Pledges Loyalty To Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17)
Wed. 23: Ruth: The Industrious Young Lady (Ruth 2:2-3)
Thur. 24: Ruth: Shown Kindness By Boaz (Ruth 2:8-12)
Fri. 25: Ruth And Boaz At The Threshing Floor (Ruth 3:10-13)
Sat. 26: Naomi Nurses Ruth’s Son, Obed (Ruth 4:14-16)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Naomi’s guidance led Ruth to a place of favour and restoration. You need the guidance of godly mentors.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Ruth 1:16-18,22;2:1-3;3:1-5;4:14-17
Glory be to God for the blessings of our previous lesson: “God prepares Gideon and Jephthah.” May those lessons stay with us always. Amen.
Today’s lesson focuses on Naomi guiding Ruth, a story of love, loyalty and strategic guidance amidst challenging circumstances, showcasing human resilience and God’s providence. Naomi agreed with Ruth to glean in the field which eventually belong to Boaz, her husband’s relative, aligning with Mosaic Law’s provision for the poor and foreigners. Naomi also guided Ruth on approaching Boaz in a culturally significant way, potentially leading to marriage and securing their future. This strategic move became a pivotal moment in their stories.
May we grasp God’s truth in this lesson in Jesus’ name. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- NAOMI’S INFLUENCE ON RUTH’S FAITH
- NAOMI STRATEGICALLY GUIDES RUTH
LESSON EXPOSITION
NAOMI’SINFLUENCE ON RUTH’S FAITH (1:6-22; 2:10; 4:14-17)
But Ruth. said: ‘Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, will, go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your, people: shall be my people, and your God, my God.
(v.16)
a) Naomi’s influence on Ruth’ S faith is a central theme in the book of Ruth. This shows the power of mentorship within the context of familial relationships in shaping spiritual beliefs and actions.
b) 1:6-18: Naomi’s plea that Orpah and Ruth return to their families after their husbands’ deaths and Ruth’s eventual steadfast commitment to Naomi and her God underscore Naomi’s role as a spiritual guide ang mentor to Ruth.
c) vv. 19-22 reveal Naomi’s struggle with loss and Ruth’s loyalty to her. This resilience and loyalty illustrate the strength of their bond, and Naomi’s enduring impact on Ruth’s faith journey.
d) 2:10: Naomi obviously influenced Ruth’s understanding of Hebrew culture and faith. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi reflects her acceptance of Naomi’s people and God (1:16). These show Naomi’s influence on Ruth’s spiritual growth and integration into the Hebrew community.
e) 4:14-17: Naomi’s pivotal role in Ruth’s journey of faith is evident as she witnessed God’s providence when Boaz married Ruth, leading to redemption and restoration, with the birth of Obed -a symbol of God’s faithfulness in their lives.
NAOMI STRATEGICALLY GUIDES RUTH (1:16-18,22; 2:1-3;3:1-5)
Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.
(Ruth 3:4)
a) 1:19-22: Ruth, having vowed to stay with Naomi (vv. 6-18), thel return to Bethlehem not only reconnected them with their cultur and religious heritage but also improved Ruth’s chances of findin acceptance among Naomi’s people.
b) 2:1-3: Naomi allowed for Ruth to glean in the fields of Boaz, her deceased husband’s relative, taking advantage of the Mosaic Law’s provision for the poor and foreigners (Lev. 19:9-10).
c) 3:1-5: Naomi advised Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor after he had eaten and drunk. A culturally significant move indicating her interest in marriage while adhering to societal norms
d) vv, 10-13: Impressed by Ruth’s character, Boaz agreed to act as: redeemer, securing Ruth’s future and ensuring the continuation Naomi’s family line. Naomi reassured Ruth that things would turn out well (3:18), just as it is happening to us too on this first Sunday after Easter.
LESSONS DERIVED
- Naomi’s counsel helps Ruth stay strong during tough times. How is your character inspiring others towards God and godliness.
- Even though God isn’ t directly mentioned, the story shows His guiding hand leading the characters to a bigger plan, teaching us to trust in His care even when things are unclear.
QUESTIONS
- Discuss Naomi’s influence on Ruth’s faith.
- How did Naomi strategically guide Ruth?
