Series: Old School
Title: “Ruth”
The Word: Ruth 2:8-13, Ruth 3:10-11
Main Thought: Diligent service to God leads to finding His purpose.
Message Explanation: Corinne, one of the student ministry interns shared her story and taught on Ruth.
Who was Ruth?
In the story so far, Ruth is a non-Jewish woman that married into a Jewish family that was living in Moab due to a famine in their home country of Israel. Her husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law all died and she was left with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, decides to leave Moab and return to Judah. She tells her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab, go back to their mothers’ homes and may the LORD bless them with the security of another marriage. Her daughter-in-law, Orpah, stays in Moab but Ruth was determined to stay with Naomi. In Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
Read Ruth 2:8-13: 8 “Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” 10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” 11 “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers.
#1: God recognizes humble service toward others.
12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” 13 “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”
Ruth 3:10-11:“The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. 11 Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.”
#2: Your peers should know of your character.
Hebrews 10:35-36: 35So do not throw away this confident trust in the LORD. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
#3: If we are patient, God will provide what He has promised.
Apply: It teaches that genuine love at times may require uncompromising sacrifice. Genuine love and kindness will be rewarded. God abundantly blesses those who seek to live obedient lives. God extends mercy to the merciful. The Book of Ruth offers a fascinating short story about a non-Jewish woman who married into a Jewish family and became an ancestor of David and Jesus
What decisions do you need to make this week to diligently serve God?
Element of Fun: The students played the game, “Face Off.” It was funny to see students trying to say a word in order to make the other person laugh.
Music: Running, Oceans, Oh God, Never Once (closing)
Favorite Moment: Talking to two students who received Christ!
What’s Next: We are continuing the series, “Old School” as we talk about the big stories of the Old Testament!
To watch any of the series messages, check out the vimeo page