Tell Her Story: Part 3 - 'I've Got Your Back'
This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
Here are some questions to consider:
Readings:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIVUK)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Philippians 4:8 (NIVUK)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
See also the story of Ruth, which you can find here.
Prayer and Reflection:
Loving God, thank you for this story of faithfulness, loyalty and love. Help us to treat one another with kindness, compassion and tenderness. Help us to support one another as brothers and sisters. Forgive us, and help us by your Spirit to forgive one another, when we get it wrong. Thank you Lord Jesus that you are our kinsman Redeemer and that you alone lay claim to us and reconcile us to our heavenly Father.
Amen.
Questions to Consider
1. Elimelech and Naomi had left Judah to go and live in Moab. Their two sons had each taken Moabite wives. In terms of the Law, why was this problematic?
2. On her return to Judah, Naomi says don’t call me Naomi (pleasant) but Mara (bitter). She’s not putting on a mask, she is honest – it has been hard. Had God made life bitter for Naomi (See Ruth 1:20)? For a reflection on this see here.
3. Thinking about the position Boaz (and men in general) had in those days, what kind of power did Boaz have over Ruth? How did he exercise that power?
4. Thinking about Naomi’s advice to Ruth, what kind of power did Ruth have over Boaz? How did she exercise that power?
5. “No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants for ten generations may be admitted to the assembly of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 23:3-6 (New Living Translation) Was Boaz going against God by marrying her? If not… why not?
6. What do you find noble, right, pure or admirable in Ruth, and in Boaz?
7. In what situation in your life might God be asking you to learn from Ruth and / or Boaz?