Image: “Ruth in Boaz’s Field” by Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1828

Do you find yourself losing hope? We all face times of discouragement and sadness, but that’s when we need to turn to God. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows us new hope in tragedy, blessing prayers, and new direction as we look to Him.

Return to JerusalemPreviously, we accompanied Elimelech, Naomi, and the family en route from Bethlehem to Moab to escape a famine. Disaster hits the family—Elimelech dies, the two sons marry Moabite women, and then, after ten years, the sons die. In grief, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem with her two daughters-in-law and then begs the women to return to their Moabite mothers and culture. Three essential details from the Book of Ruth emerge, including 1) Blessings-Naomi blessed her daughters-in-law, 2) Hesed (Hebrew for loving-kindness) – she prayed for God’s loving-kindness on the women, and 3) She remembers God but says she is bitter against God. How could Naomi be bitter against God for what happened yet still pray for the Lord’s loving-kindness? The answer is related to the opening verse of Ruth 1: In the days the judges ruled. Today, we cover the following points.

Mara (Ruth 1: 19-22)* Naomi is aware of the cycle when her nation fell into sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation stages from Judges. * Her return signifies her repentance. * She asks to be called Mara, meaning bitter, but in the Book of Ruth, no one ever calls her that.

New Hope (Ruth 2: 1-3) Ruth gleans to support Naomi, and herself-it’s the barley harvest. * Gleaning provides for the poor ((see* Deuteronomy 24:19 and Leviticus 19: 9-10). * Ruth” happens to” end up on a field owned by Boaz, who turns out to be a kinsman of Elimelech.

Divine Providence (Ruth 2: 4-13)

• Ruth happened to glean in part of Boaz’s field. Boaz was Elimelech’s relative and a man of great wealth. Unlike Elimelech, he had stayed in Bethlehem during the famine, and God had taken care of him.
• Divine Providence means God “watches over and governs all the things that He made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing of all things with gentleness” [The First Vatican Council (1869-70, Denziner, p. 3003) and “all events, even the most personal decisions of human beings, are part of God’s eternal plan” (Hardon, 1999, p. 448).

Hesed

• HESED (loving-kindness and covenant faithfulness) becomes more apparent
• Divine Providence means God “watches over and governs all the things that He made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing of all things with gentleness” [The First Vatican Council (1869-70, Denziner, p. 3003) and “all events, even the most personal decisions of human beings, are part of God’s eternal plan” (Hardon, 1999, p. 448).
• God gave Ruth favor, and Boaz demonstrated favor and loving-kindness to protect Ruth.

The Blessings* Boaz speaks and prays the language of blessing: When Boaz came from Bethlehem, he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” * He prayed over Ruth: 12 May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!” * A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.

Personal Reflection & ApplicationWhat impacts you most from Ruth 1: 19 – 2: 13?

• Look for God’s providence, hope, and care in small ways. Naomi and Ruth approached Bethlehem at the start of the barley harvest, which meant food was plentiful again – new hope. Ruth just happened to land in Boaz’s field to glean, and he gave her favor—a sign of hope. Rely on 2 Corinthians 9:8-10.
• Pray Blessings Over Your Friends and Family Today. Consider praying a blessing over another. Try to include 1) a focus on God’s goodness, kindness, and His power to change a situation, 2) a petition asking Him to share this goodness, kindness, strength, favor, and joy with another, and 3) why the person needs it. Why not share the blessing in a note, text, or email? They will be blessed.

Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends.* It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection accompanying each podcast. * Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up. * Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Find my books: + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

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