Nov 29, 2015
Nov 29, 2015
BELONG What was the last item you lost and couldn’t find? Remote, keys, wallet….? Was this an item of significance? How did you feel until you found it again? Were you able to continue with your day without it or did you feel the need to find it before doing anything else? Have you or a family member ever lost a job? How did the loss of the job leave you feeling? Did you (or your family member) have difficulty knowing what to do immediately after the job was lost? Did you (or your family member) feel any bitterness toward anyone in particular?
GROW In Ruth 1, Naomi loses much more than her keys or her job. Have a group member read Ruth 1:13 and discuss as a group how you think Naomi felt at this point in the story. Keep in mind that she was living in a foreign nation, had just lost her husband, and was now a single mother responsible for her two sons. Next, have one of your group members read Ruth 1:45 and discuss how you think Naomi felt now. Within a period of roughly 10 years, Naomi lost her husband and both of her sons. How would you feel if you were in Ruth’s position (having just lost her husband and being asked to go to a foreign land with her motherinlaw)? What would you have done? In Ruth 1:67, Naomi sets off with her two daughtersinlaw to return to her native land of Judah, in order to return to her old community (those she lived with prior to the famine and the subsequent losses that she endured). Then, partway into the journey (verses 814), Naomi seems to have a change of heart, and recommends that her daughtersinlaw return to their native land of Moab. What do you think caused Naomi’s change of heart partway through the journey? What was the difference between Ruth and Orpah? Did Orpah do anything wrong in returning to her people in Moab? Do you feel that Ruth exhibited more faith than Orpah? Why or why not?
REACH In Ruth 1:1622, Ruth came alongside Naomi and committed to sticking by her side. However, upon returning to Bethlehem, Naomi appears to have still been hurt and bitter. Could Ruth have done anything else to encourage Naomi and help her through her tragedy? Was Naomi wrong to feel how she did in verses 20 and 21? Do you know anyone who is going through loss of one kind or another? What can you do to come alongside them this week?
GOINGDEEPER (split out guys and gals) What kinds of losses might we experience during the course of our lives? Do you feel that you would be able to maintain a strong faith in God’s providence and purpose throughout each of these losses? Why or why not? Are there any steps that you could take today to build your faith to a point where you may be better able to hold strong in your faith regardless of what changes and loss might come your way?
