“God in Unexpected Circumstances” [Unexpected: The Story of Ruth]
Texts: Ruth 1:1-22
June 9/10, 2012
Pastor Matt Erickson
"But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'" (Ruth 1:16)
Elimelek: A Story of Unexpected Ends
- A story of unexpected need
- A story of unexpected death
Naomi: A Story of Unexpected Loss
- A story of fullness
- A story of unexpected loss
- A story of unexpected bitterness
Ruth: A Story of Unexpected Loyalty
- A story of unexpected loss
- A story of unexpected gain
- A story of loyalty
God’s Story
- In Elimelek
- In Naomi
- In Ruth
- In us
Discussion Questions:
- This weekend we begin a new series on the book of Ruth entitled “Unexpected.” Because this is a short book, take the time to read the entire book through before the study, whether you are on your own or in a small group.
- What do you observe about Elimelek in the first few verses of chapter 1? Who is he and what is he like?
- The circumstances of Naomi as outlined in chapter 1 are very challenging. What are the circumstances she faces (see 1:1-5)?
- It is important to understand the background on the relationship between Israel and Moab. Take a look at Numbers 21-25 and Deuteronomy 23:3-6.
- As Naomi begins her journey back to Bethlehem, she has an important conversation with her two widowed daughters-in-law. How would you describe or compare the different responses of Orpah and Ruth?
- What do you think Ruth had to lose by coming with Naomi? What did she have to gain?
- Circumstances are not the end of the story. Our response to circumstances says a lot about who we are and a lot about what we believe. What are your circumstances right now? What might you learn from Ruth about responding to circumstances?
- Name one specific way that you can respond to God in the midst of your real-life circumstances this week. Write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another.
Next week we will look at Ruth 2:1-23. Let God speak to you during this next week by reading it ahead of time.