Putting the Pieces Together
1. My People.
naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz... So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech. Ruth 2:1,3 NLT
2. God's Providence.
Providence of God: when God uses natural circumstances to bring about His supernatural plans
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
If you Start working for God, His Providence starts working for you
One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. 2 Now Boaz ... is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Ruth 3:1-2
3. Strategic Proximity.
Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. Ruth 3:4-6
When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet! “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” Ruth 3:7-9
Guar/Kins-Redeemer—A relative who had the responsibility and privilege to provide for a family member in time of need.
Even if you don’t get it right, God can still make it right.
Discussion questions:
Read Ruth 3:1-9. What stands out to you in this passage? What do you think empowered Ruth to take this kind of initiative
What qualities or habits do you see in Ruth and Boaz as they’re honoring God with their lives? Do you know someone with similar qualities?
As we navigate different seasons of life, we won’t always get it right. Share about a time when you didn’t make the best choice, but God still made it right. What did you learn about Him through that experience?
Sometimes God wants us to go after what we want. Is He calling you to take a step of faith and go after something? Talk about that with your Small Group.
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