Group Notes | July 23
Flannelgraph of Faith: Ruth—Everyone Matters
July 23, 2017
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Open:
In almost everyone’s life at some time there has been a woman—perhaps a mother, teacher, or friend—who has made an impact on one’s character. Can you share a memory you may have as you reflect?
We are continuing to examine Bible characters whose lives have left many lessons for us. This week we will concentrate on the book of Ruth, but it will be the life of Naomi, the mother-in-law, whom we will focus on. As we use the old-school visual teaching of the flannelgraph, we will see what we can learn from her life.
Focal Passages: Taken from Ruth 1:1-4:22
Discuss:
God Uses the Famines of Life to Bring Blessings:
- Can someone give a short summary of why this family of Judea lived in Moab, and what occurred in the first several years? Can you relate to a lifestyle that seems to bring grief every way you turn, and can you share?
- Read Ruth 1:6 & 14. If you were Naomi, would you have made the decision to return to Bethlehem? Why?
- Explain how you would reason (for or against) Naomi seeing any blessings in her life since coming to Moab.
God’s Love is Not Exclusive:
- In a moment we will read Naomi’s outpouring of grief at her circumstances; however, how would you explain her relationship with both daughters-in-law that they would desire to go with her?
- Read 1:19-21. How do you perceive the heart of Naomi toward God? Can you share a time when you questioned God’s love for you and your faith was shaken?
- Naomi could see only the events that had occurred in Moab; what are some scriptures that would have been helpful to her know (both OT or NT)?
- According to Romans 8:28, what would God do with her life?
God’s Plan is Greater:
- Can someone give a brief synopsis of what happened after Naomi returned to Bethlehem (leaving out the end)?
- Read 4:15a. Who were the people talking about? How do you think Naomi felt as she held Obed in her arms?
- List some of the miraculous results that God brought about even though the road had been a very painful one.
Close:
One is so focused on Ruth as the main character in this short book that we often overlook the harsh years that Naomi lived through. Her husband (probably) made the decision to move to the heathen land of Moab. Although there is no mention of the age of her boys, they grew old enough to marry while living there. Their marriages to Moabite women, especially after the death of their father, had to have been a trial to Naomi, but we know she must have treated them with tremendous love and respect. Otherwise, they would not have desired to go to Bethlehem with her, although Orpah was, in the end, persuaded to return to her own parents. Although Naomi did not verbalize a bitterness toward God, asking friends in Bethlehem to call her “Mara” (bitter) must have been her heart’s attitude. She could never have imagined that the simple act of bringing Ruth back to Bethlehem would result in her being great-great-grandmother to King David, and Ruth ultimately being in the line of the Messiah, Christ Jesus.
In our own lives, we can sympathize with the times of trouble Naomi experienced. We have days of crisis, with a rare day here and there that is peaceful and quiet. And often our valleys get so low, we question God’s love for us, His presence with us, and His plan to bring good out of our situation. Perhaps this story of Naomi will be one that will inspire you to recognize God’s miracles are not confined by our past, our race, or our heritage, and He is weaving a purpose that will result in amazing outcomes. He will use truly unlikely circumstances to bring about a beautiful end and a deliverance.
Memory Verse: Ruth2:10: So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (NKJV)
Ask Yourself: Do you ever fall down before the Lord, bowing yourself to the ground, and asking Him, “Why have I found favor in Your eyes, that You should take notice of me, since I am a sinner?”