The Conversion of Ruth

June 17, 2020

Ruth had every opportunity to look back, or to stay put. But she too heard the call of God, and she responded with courage and faith. The first step she took toward Jerusalem was down a path she could never have imagined. Ruth would go from foreign widow to great Grandmother of King David and ancestor of Jesus, the son of God!

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to read from Ruth 1:6-19

For more help use these Bible Study method

REFLECT

What? So What? Now What?

By Elaine Pierce

During the Corona-virus Pandemic, our pastors have been teaching us how to study the Bible.  Let’s use the “What? So What? Now What? Method as we read the first chapter of this short Old Testament Book.  Here are some of my observations:

What?  Ruth is a Moabite, a hated enemy of Israel. Her father in law dies, and then her husband dies.  Her mother in law, Naomi, decides to return to Israel, as she has no one left in Moab.  Ruth tells her she will go with her.  There is a famous passage, often quoted at weddings, in this chapter, “Where you go, I will go and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and Your God my God.” Naomi tries to dissuade her, but Ruth will not be left behind. They travel to Bethlehem, where Naomi’s friends are surprised to see her.

So What?  Ruth essentially becomes a God-fearing Jew.  She pledges loyalty to Naomi’s God, the God of Jacob.  We don’t know why Ruth did this, but we can infer from the passage that she was drawn to the one true God. 

Yes, the Jews were God’s chosen people. But even in Old Testament times, God reaches out to those who love him and want a relationship with him. Ruth, as you will find out later in the book (spoiler alert, but please read the whole book, it’s four short chapters) has a son, Obed. Obed is the father of Jesse, who is the father of David. And, David, as you know, is in the line of Jesus. 

Sit with that for a moment. God used a widowed Moabite woman to bring glory to his name. He uses those who are available. What is he calling me to?  What is he calling you to? Are we listening? Are we ready to do the work?

Now What?  This part will be different for everyone. As Pastor Steve has said, there will be days when you won’t have a life-changing message from God’s word.  As in any relationship, time we spend with God will be more life-changing than others. But there is plenty of food for thought in these verses. Is God calling me to reach out to someone in a new way?  Do you need to stop and thank him for the gift of eternal life? Is there a Ruth in your life, someone who has come alongside you in a time of need?

Lord, you are bigger than any ethnic group. The gift of eternal life is available to all who call on your name. Thank you for Ruth’s example of loyalty and her desire to serve the one true God. Help me to go and do likewise.  Amen.  

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