Today’s Devotion
Topic: From Ruth To All Young People
Self Assessment
Background: The story of Naomi was a sad one. She lost her husband and sons in succession to death in a foreign land. Feeling depressed and lonely, she decides to go back to her country and people. However, Ruth, one of her two daughters-in-law sacrificed her life to accompany her. She couldn’t stand the idea that Naomi would go through anymore trauma all by herself in her homeland.
Back in the land of Israel, Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi,
“Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favour.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.
Let us now get into our Bible study to discover the many wonderful blessings that come our way just for sticking with a dear one through their difficult times. And also the favour a young person can win by sticking to the elderly, regardless of their individual struggle, and listening to advice.
READING: Ruth 2: 4- 13
Questions:
i. Bible didn’t say much, but in your opinion, what could be some of the reasons that made Ruth stay with Naomi, even when it was obvious the latter had nothing to offer her in return?
ii. Back in Israel, Ruth came up with an initiative to go and pick leftover from fields that would be kind enough to employ her (a foreigner). This was her way to help them out of hunger and shame. However, instead of going on, on her own, she rather discussed first with Naomi for her blessing. What does this tell us about the character of Ruth and what is the lesson here for all young people who are full of ambition, ideas, drive and initiative?
iii. Kindly read vrs 4 again. What do you think about the greetings between Boaz and his workers? What does it tell you about the relationship they shared with him? What can we learn from this to enhance the bond we share with others?
iv. Read vrs 5- 11 again. What can you say were the qualities that won Ruth favour in the sight of Boaz? Was her association with Naomi’s story also a factor? If so, please explain how.
v. From vrs 12 and 13, is it not amazing that the one person with all the authority to mistreat Ruth for the mere fact that he owns the farm, is the same blessing her and putting her at ease? He has also instructed others to be kind to her. How wonderful can this be?
vi. What can we learn from this study; the sad story of Naomi and the determination of Ruth to walk them out of hunger, poverty and shame?
(www.yonghana.org; Like our Facebook page: Y OUTREACH NETWORK)
