Episode 162 – Ruth Pt 2: Clinging to Community
Key Passage(s): Ruth 1:6-22; Numbers 25:1-5; Deuteronomy 23:3
In the face of overwhelming loss, Naomi does what many of us do when we’re hurting: she isolates and cuts herself off from those around her. But Ruth embodies a dramatically different response. As we’ll see, Ruth’s response to the experience of loss becomes the core theme of the entire book and solidifies her place as one of the most inspiring characters of the Hebrew Scriptures. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the power of community to help you practice faithfulness in the face of adversity.
Discussion Questions
- What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?
- What is your overall impression of Naomi’s response, and can you imagine any reasons why she (and we) might push people away?
- What are some of the stories/experiences in your life where you’ve experienced the “clinging love” of a community?
- One of the great paradoxes of our age is that despite being more “connected” than ever, we live in a world that’s lonelier than ever. How might you/we nurture and cultivate the kind of relationships that make this “clinging love” possible?
- How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?
For Further Study
- Status Quo (featuring Walter Brueggemann) – a short film by The Work of The People
- Strong As Death Is Love by Robert Alter
- Ruth (One Hour. One Book.) by Randall Smith
- Ruth Photo Companion to the Bible by BiblePlaces.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra charge to you).
SHARE
Very good teaching. I was captivated with this presentation, but more thank anything it spoke to my heart. It was mixed with God’s anointing.
Thanks for your encouraging words Joyce!
Loving this Bible study. Not what I expected in addressing the pain of Naomi, Ruth’s loving kindness, but it has spoke to me about processing my own pain of rejection and abandonment from my children and loss. Beautiful!!
Carol, thanks for bearing a part of your story and sharing how the book of Ruth is helping you. That kind of courageous vulnerability and witness to God’s power is so important for our community. Thank you!
Thanks for your teaching!! Yes, community that I found here in Peace Free Lutheran Church in Canal Winchester, Ohio!here I found a family! They act on Loving -kindness!! I have just recently lost my husband of 47 years in Dec.2023! They have given me so much love and support! Started before as he’s been in nursing home here, the reason I moved here!He was battling health issues and dementia! So he’s at peace and with Jesus!! I’ve been saying goodbye for awhile but grief comes in waves thanks to my faith and my new family there’s hope!! Sorry for my long winded text!
It comes in waves. So true! Thanks Debbie for sharing a portion of your story and witnessing to the power of community to bring healing. May it continue to do so for you!