Hope and Risk
Teaching Pastor; Staff Governing Elder; Staff Director
Chapter 3 brings us to a pivotal moment in the story. Ruth risks her reputation and her future in a courageous act of loyal love for her family. As the events unfold, we see God make a pathway for her to be part of his greater story of covenant love.
Study Questions
Application
Ruth models vulnerability rooted in hesed (loyal love). In what ways are you making yourself vulnerable so you can be an agent of God’s plan?
We all have a tendency to self promote or self protect—which are you more prone towards? Consider how you spend your time and resources.
Key Points
Vulnerability is integral to the progress of God’s plan in the world. Unless we willingly give up our time and comfort, we can’t be part of what God is doing.
God doesn’t need our strength; he needs our weakness.
Naomi and Ruth aren’t passive. They create an environment that ennobles Boaz to work on God’s behalf.
While Ruth and Boaz are opposites in most respects, they are both uncommon individuals of substance and excellence.
Because Jesus emptied himself and embraced our shame, we don’t have to protect or promote ourselves. Our inheritance is from him.