Darkness and Light
Even in the darker passages of our life, God is always present, he is always good, his love is always faithful. Ruth’s story ends on a different note than the beginning of her story and foreshadows great things to come. As Ruth’s story concludes, how could you reflect on God’s work and faithfulness throughout your life and consider where he might be leading you now?
Read through Ruth chapter 4 (and if you have time the previous 3 chapters to refresh your memory). What can you observe about the actions of Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi from this chapter?
How would you describe the main message in Ruth’s story? What might Ruth’s story teach us about Jesus?
What might Ruth’s story teach us about God’s work in our lives? How does Ruth’s story teach us to respond to suffering and setbacks?
Which character do you identify with the most in the book of Ruth right now…Naomi, Ruth, Boaz? Why? What qualities from that character inspire or instruct you?
Consider these two quotations and whether you agree, disagree, or their relevance to your life:
“Faith sees best in the dark.” Soren Kierkegaard
“God does not send us despair in order to kill us; he sends it in order to awaken us new life.” Hermann Hesse
Could you identify or remember at least one moment or season of “darkness” in your past? How could you discern God’s presence and faithfulness?
If you are in a darker part of life right now, how might God be calling to you? If you know someone who is facing a difficult challenge, how might you help or encourage them?
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