Episode 165 – Ruth Pt 5: Restored to Fullness
Key Passage(s): Ruth 4:1-10; Deuteronomy 25:5-6
The climactic scene in the book of Ruth takes place in the city gate. Two kinsmen are poised to provide the rescue Naomi and Ruth desperately seek. The first steps in and says, “I’ll do it,” but immediately changes his mind when Boaz mentions Ruth. It’s a confusing moment without the cultural context. But once we have that, it unlocks the story in a powerful way to see why the first one declines, and why Boaz redeems the women at a cost to himself. After watching this episode, you’ll be challenged to share in this costly and compelling love, and to consider how God’s redemption for someone else might just look a whole lot like you.
Discussion Questions
- What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?
- What do you think and feel when you hear the language of “taking responsibility for another?”
- In what way(s), have you experienced the costly love of another person? (Be specific)
- What are some of the most compelling ways you’ve seen other followers of Jesus exhibit costly love in a world desperate for redemption?
- As a group, or by yourself, listen to the lyrics of the following song That Kind of Love by Pierce Pettis before answering the final question.
- How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?
For Further Study
- The New American Commentary: Judges/Ruth by Daniel I. Block
- The NIV Application Commentary: Judges/Ruth by K. Lawson Younger Jr.
- Rose Then and Now Bible Map Atlas by Paul H. Wright – Chapter 7 (Naomi and Ruth)
- Ruth by BibleProject
- Ruth (One Hour. One Book.) by Randall Smith
- Ruth Photo Companion to the Bible by BiblePlaces.com
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This was awesome teaching.
Thanks for your kind words Kathy!
Wonderful! Thank you
Brad, your teaching is such a gift to me! Do you have plans to post Episode 152 (pt 1 of the David & Goliath series)? No problem, if not – just would love to have it and am a little OCD 😉😊
Hi Ken,
If you haven’t found it yet, episode 152 is here
Just finishing Ruth and completed the Galilee series, both were very enlightening. Was wondering if I could ask a question about Orpah. Does tradition hold that she was in fact the mother of Goliath?
Hi Alan,
It’s probably better to think of it as “traditions” rather than tradition. But, yes, you can find this line of thought in scholarly work (Judy Fentress-Williams, Abingdon Old Testament Commentary: Ruth & Louis Ginzberg, Legends of the Bible, JPS, 1956). Essentially, this tradition creates a foil out of Orpah. According to the tradition, Ruth clings to Naomi and becomes the grandmother of David, Orpah, on the other hand, turns away and gives birth to David’s nemesis. Contextually speaking, it’s a massive stretch, but it is preserved in various traditions.
I love the way you present your bible teachings and would love to get others. Thanks.
We bless God for your encouragement Sharon. It’s a gift and privilege to get to do this work.
Wow!!!!!! Chapter 5 hit me like a brick! We are called to love. Without understanding the depth of what I did, until today!!! 3 months ago, a very dear friend lost her home. She was about to make a huge mistake and I knew if she did this, she would never get her kids back. I opened my home to them. Little things have bugged me, but not bad. I began to pray about them. God answered my prayer about it through this teaching. Between my pastors message, and this teaching, I need to talk with my friend, but letting her know we will figure it out and it will be ok with some adjustments for both of us. This very much a mother-daughter relationship. Thank you for this invaluable teaching.
Carol, thanks for sharing. Hoping your conversation goes well and only leads to deeper, more meaningful relationship.