Ruth does not end as we expect. A literary masterpiece filled with dramatic tension should end with something other than fragmentary genealogy. But perhaps the Book of Ruth is a story about another story. A story where we find hope for our story.  Join us as we examine Ruth 4:18-22 and Matthew 1:1-17 to consider the power of the story beyond the story. 

Are you empty? Coasting on the fumes of disappointment, bitterness, or grief? There is a Heavenly Father who delights to fill us up with sufficient, superabundant, saving grace upon grace through a redeemer.  Join us as we examine Ruth 4:13-17 and consider how God fills up empty places with his grace. 

Naomi and Ruth needed a redeemer. Not just from hunger, poverty, loneliness, and insecurity. Boaz, their near kinsman-redeemer could offer those, but a greater Kinsman-Redeemer was needed to deliver from sin and death. He is the redeemer we need most. Join us as we examine Ruth 2:18-23 and consider the Lord’s kindness in providing a kinsman-redeemer. 

Naomi lamented that God “piled up ruin” in her life. But in the end, it is God’s loving-kindness that piled up instead. First in Ruth then in Boaz and finally in Naomi. That is how God’s covenant love is.  It goes viral. It impacts. It replicates.  Join us as we examine Ruth 2:1-17 and see how God’s grace unfolds into “grace upon grace” in the lives of those it changes. 

Bitterness has its benefits. Bitter foods help digestion. Bitter spices balance the sweet, salty, sour & savory in our food. But a bitter person’s anger, resentment, & disappointment poison everything. Everyone is to blame. Especially God. Join us as we examine Ruth 1:19-22 and consider the danger of bitterness on our relationships with others and with God.

We’re afraid of silence. It unsettles, makes us insecure, afraid. But no silence unsettles like the silence of God. Scripture consoles us that God is a not silent. He reveals Himself, is knowable. Yet at times He seems silent.  What then?

Elimelech and Naomi move their little family into the hated land of Moab to escape famine.  But things go from bad to worse.  Where was God?  Why was he so far from saving?  Why was he so silent? Join us as we examine Ruth 1:1-5 and wrestle with the question of why God sometimes appears silent and how we should respond.