Loss and Loyalty

Ruth 1:1-22

Loss and Loyalty

Bill White Updated Staff Photo

Bill White

Teaching Pastor; Staff Governing Elder; Staff Director

In the opening chapter of Ruth, a scene of great tragedy unfolds—loss of homeland, a spouse, children. Yet even in the midst of her grief, Naomi speaks God’s blessing over her daughters-in-law, and Ruth commits to a lifetime of loyalty. As the chapter closes, we get a glimpse of God’s ability to infuse hope into darkness.

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Application

  1. Consider the characters of Naomi and Ruth. Which do you identify with in the story? How so?

  2. Whether you are in a dark circumstance or know someone else who is feeling despair, how can you move towards hope?

Key Points

  • The setting of Ruth’s story is complex. There is moral and spiritual chaos in the land, and Elimelech’s family experiences loss upon loss.

  • Naomi feels completely cut off from God’s blessing, and she faces a life of barrenness. Yet, she moves towards a small glimmer of hope.

  • We too will all face a day of darkness and despair, and our ability to experience God’s blessing lies in our willingness to grasp onto hope.

  • Both Naomi and Ruth manifest God’s covenant love—Naomi in her desire to bless her daughters-in-law, and Ruth in her fierce loyalty to Naomi.

  • While Naomi feels she is at odds with God, she is actually on the cusp of a season of fruitfulness she cannot even imagine.

Other Scripture References

Judges 21:25

Deuteronomy 23:3

Genesis 3:22–24

1 Corinthians 10:13

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