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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.

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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