Chapter Twelve: “Talk About Happily Ever After!” Ruth 4:13–22
One of the real joys of doing this study has been connecting with you by way of your online blog comments, your emails and Facebook messages, your hugs when we’ve met in person, and through photos like this one of the “Bad Girls of Sanlando UMC,” who first gathered in 2000 to study Bad Girls of the Bible, and have been reading The Girl’s Still Got it with us this Fall. Look how adorable they are!
Way back on page one / week one, you and I agreed that we all have “something vital and meaningful to offer, no matter how many times we’ve been around the block.” With that in mind, check out Mary’s one-of-a-kind birthday cake. Love it.
Speaking of Mary, I do hope you’ll join me here for The Women of Christmas: Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna every Wednesday through the holidays. I’m beyond excited about creating this new study for you!
For now, let’s press on with the final verses of Ruth’s story.
1. a. Edith Deen described Ruth as “modest, meek, courteous, loyal, responsible.” Are all five qualities still held in high esteem in today’s culture? Should they be? Why or why not?
Much depends on which culture we’re talking about! “Modesty” is applauded in some settings, yet ridiculed in others. “Meekness” is often misunderstood as “weakness” (a negative term), when in fact it means, “gentle” (a positive word).
Certainly the meek are precious to God: “I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride… But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the Lord” (Zephaniah 3:11-12). And in the New Testament we’re assured, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). That’s definitely how things worked out for our Ruth!
“Courteous,” “loyal,” “responsible” employees may earn gold stars from our bosses, yet anger some of our coworkers. Even so, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness rank high on God’s list of Spirit-led attributes.
I definitely think all five qualities should be upheld, along with the many other virtues described in Scripture. While our culture focuses almost solely on appearance and achievement; the Lord urges us to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
1. b. In many ways Psalm 113 parallels Ruth’s life. Read all nine verses, then pick three that seem especially suited to her story, and explain why.
Ruth praised God’s name from her first words—“Your God will be my God”—so all the early verses in this psalm suit our young widow. But the last three really capture her life:
v. 7: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;”
From Moabite to Israelite, from humble gleaner to honored villager, from poor widow to wealthy wife, this neatly describes how God lifted up Ruth.
v. 8: “he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.”
By God’s design, Ruth took her place beside Boaz, who was honored and respected, a prince among men.
v. 9: He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.”
Though Ruth isn’t called barren, she was childless at the start of her story and a happy mother by the end. Praise God indeed!
2. a. Of all the times we might expect Naomi to speak, this would be a major one. Maybe her heart is simply too full. If you’ve held a newborn in your arms, what was that experience like for you?
Whenever someone places a baby in my arms, a sense of warmth, peace, and contentment falls over me, even if I don’t know the mother who is kindly entrusting me with her child. My voice is softer, my touch is lighter, and all my attention is drawn to that baby. (Can you tell I am so ready to be a grandmother?!)
Maybe it’s a faint recollection of being held by my mother, or much stronger memories of embracing my own children. Either way, cradling a baby is pure joy for me. Here I am with our daughter on her first Christmas in 1989 (gotta love those huge ‘80s glasses!).
What thoughts come to mind when you consider that the overwhelming love you felt for that little one pales in comparison to the love God feels for you?
Oh my. Oh my. The thought of God looking at me the way I gazed at our baby girl makes me teary. I know how much I loved her then, and how much more I know and love her now. Yet God has known us fully and loved us completely from the beginning!
- “For great is your love toward me.” Psalm 86:13
- “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens.” Psalm 36:5
- “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1
2. b. Think of all the ways Obed redeemed Naomi just by being born. Now think of all the ways Jesus redeemed us by dying on the cross.
The Redemptive Birth of Obed The Redemptive Death of Jesus
Obed claimed the land for his family Jesus claimed us as his family
Obed carried on Elimelech’s family Jesus fulfilled his name, “Jehovah is
name Salvation”
Obed would someday provide for Jesus ascended into heaven to prepare
his relatives, Ruth and Naomi a home for us
How does Ephesians 1:7–10 bring the truth of that redemption alive for you?
Though the cross is our symbol of redemption, the work of Christ stretches far beyond an empty tomb. Yes, our sins are forgiven and the riches of God’s grace are heaped around us. Thank you, Lord! But it’s so much more.
God also lavishes us with “all wisdom and understanding” (Eph 1:8). That’s why we can read his Word and grasp the truth of it. For me, the Bible was a book of words, nothing more, until I received God’s grace. Then his Word became light and life and food and nourishment. From that very first week I couldn’t get enough of it. Still can’t!
His redemption also makes it possible for us to know “the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ” (Ephesians 1:9). Wow. How many times have I said, “I just wish I knew the will of God”? It’s clear in this passage Jesus has unlocked that mystery for us.
Open our eyes, Lord, so we can see what is already before us!
Though I did not take this photo, I cherish it nonetheless, having stood on the women’s side at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, watching our Jewish sisters reverently touch the stones and slip prayers between the cracks.
Perhaps the women who sang praises to God at the birth of Obed looked and sounded a bit like these devout souls.
3. a. Ancient listeners had tears of joy in their eyes by the time the storyteller reached the last word: “David,” their beloved king. We have even more reason to be moved, knowing whose name appears in the first sentence of the New Testament: “Jesus Christ the son of David.” How far back can you trace your ancestry?
On my own, I can stretch back only to my grandparents, and even then, I know precious little about them. Three of the four had already passed away before I was born, so they were only names to me. Few photos existed, and even fewer stories. I think my parents were so busy raising the six of us they didn’t take time to reflect on those who had come before. Practical, but also quite sad.
When you look at the sea of names in Matthew 1:1–16, what strikes you about that detailed listing?
I’m awed by how wise these people were: reciting the family names over and over, teaching them to their children, writing them down for posterity. I’m also overwhelmed by the inclusion of those five named women. All the men had wives and mothers, but the Lord, through Matthew, highlights five: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.
How might this list of women build up your faith?
These aren’t the Good Girls of the Bible…they’re Bad Girls! Each one has a story that’s told at length in the Scriptures, meaning God not only chose to graft these women into the lineage of his Son, he also made sure later generations knew about them and would be encouraged by their stories.
For all of us who lived part of our life in the shadows, the five women found in the opening verses of Matthew shout across the ages, “We mattered to God. And so do you!”
3. b. There is a far longer list of names that will be revealed someday. David is the first to mention “the book of life” in Psalm 69:28, and Paul makes reference to it in Philippians 4:3. You’ll find a more complete description of the Lamb’s book of life in Revelation 21:27. How can you be certain your name appears there?
Our names are written in the book of life in blood—the blood of the Lamb. Faith alone is our assurance. Grace alone is our guarantee. Christ alone is our signatory.
What hope does John 10:27–30 offer?
This beautiful passage puts to rest any fears about the permanence of our salvation. Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” Furthermore, he promises, “no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
Jesus saved us on the cross. He can do no more, nor does the Law require it of him. It’s a finished work. If you hear his voice and respond, you are his. Done.
Before We Go: Have You Got It?
Wherever you may be spiritually right now, you can be sure the Lord wants to deepen your relationship with him.
a. One of the ways we demonstrate our love for him is through trusting his Word. Ruth’s great-grandson certainly did! What assurances about God’s Word do you find in from Psalms: 12:6; 119:89; 138:2?
His Word is flawless, pure, eternal, and highly exalted. Worthy of our trust, then.
b. Another way we express our love for God is by obeying the prompting of the Holy Spirit. How do Paul’s words in Romans 15:13 and Titus 3:4–7 help you understand the Spirit’s role more clearly?
In 30 years of knowing Jesus, I’ve come to appreciate the unique presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He knits us together almost instantly. Like when you meet someone and know they love the Lord before either of you confesses it. Chills.
Because of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, we can “overflow with hope” (Romans 15:13). Overflow? Now, that’s a lot of hope! The Holy Spirit also assures us that, “by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7). More hope.
c. In closing, write out your commitment to God in words as simple and heartfelt as Ruth’s pledge to Naomi: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” What would you like to say to the Lord who loves you?
“Where you lead me, I will follow, and where you place me, I will serve. Your family, Lord, is my family, and your risen Son my Savior. Whatever may come, Lord, I love you, I love you, I love you!”
Now, my sisters, it’s your turn. Will you share with us your own commitment to God? I know your closing words will bless all who read them, because week after work, your words have certainly encouraged me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” (Philippians 1:4).
Your sister, Liz
Coming Up:
Our weekly Bible Study Blog will continue with a brand-new study all through December on The Women of Christmas: Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. No book to buy (I haven’t written it yet!), and no questions to prepare (this is a busy season). Just read the blog each Wednesday and respond as you wish. Can’t wait to share my discoveries with you!
Then in January and February we’ll walk through the pages of my book, Embrace Grace. The chapters are short, the questions are shorter still, yet each page contains important truths that speak to our hearts. What a joy it will be to start the New Year together!
Here’s what readers are saying about
Embrace Grace:
“I bought Embrace Grace thinking maybe it would give me the peace in my life I’m looking for. I can’t put the book down. I’m beginning to see that there may even be hope for me.”
Yvonne from British Columbia
“I read Embrace Grace in one sitting. I felt like my heart was being exposed. For the first time in my life I realized what it was like to feel the embrace of God.”
Glenda from Tennessee
“I just finished reading Embrace Grace and feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I was always ‘trying’ to be better, better, better, instead of accepting God’s grace. He really loves me just as I am!”
Ann from Florida
“Embrace Grace really helped me see the unconditional love God has for me. I never imagined that I could feel this free and loved. The bad girl is gone, and the forgiven girl is here!”
Becky from Kentucky
Pick up Embrace Grace at your local bookstore, your local library, or order your copy online, and you’ll be ready to start our journey together on Wednesday, January 2, 2013!
Hi Liz, once again a million thanks for the current Bible study, must try and find new year study book here in Johannesburg. Reading about your dream for holding a grandchild… i must tell you I am going to Auckland New Zealand for Christmas to do just that. My first grandchild was born in March, and altho we have met via Skype I long to hold her. I wish you many Blessings over this special time of celebration of God ultimate gift to us sinners. Bless you once again for your ministry
Love having you participate, Hilary. How wonderful it will be to hug that grandchild!
,
Thanks so much for this study Liz! I’m really excited about The Women of Christmas and I’m putting Embrace Grace on my Christmas wish list! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Glad you are continuing with us, Tina. Kindly invite friends to join us in December. The more, the merrier!
“Thank you, Lord, for sending your Son as a sacrifice for ME! I am not worthy, yet I bask in the forgiveness you have granted me. My not-so-wonderful attempt at showing your light through my words and deeds cannot begin to be enough thanks for all you have shown me. I love you, Lord, and I will forever serve you.” ~Betsy
Love it Betsy, thanks for sharing!
Beautiful, Betsy. So appreciate your heart for God!
Headed to Jefferson Street Chapel today. I know there will be homeless people there who feel like “the ash heap”. I hope they will feel God’s abundant love today. Thank you for making Bible study so special and available to share with others. I especially learn from my sisters comments. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Our sisters’ comments are truly inspiring, aren’t they, Cheryl? Bless you for serving the homeless in Jesus’ name.
Papa, in the midst of my pain, when all I could do was cry out “Lord Jesus” You heard me. And what’s more, I knew You did and would answer. The sure knowledge of Your love gave me such comfort and anchored in those days. Thank you, my most Magnificent God for taking me in and making me part of the family. Thank you that You became my Papa and I do run into your throne room, in the presence of angels and seraphims and I crawl up on Your lap and ask for what I need. And You tilt Your head down and listen to Your child. But at this moment, I just offer my love and an embrace. I ask for nothing more for me. I know the glory is that You first loved us, but I love You right back, as much as this human heart can muster! I am Yours.
Climbing into our Father’s lap is such a comforting thought, Cathy. A blessed Thanksgiving to you!
Sisters,
Happy thanksgiving!
To God be the glory and thanks for all He has done, provided and watches over.
Let us return His love by serving others!
Love to each of you!
Cathy
Same to you Cathy!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dearest Liz,
First of all, I LOVE the cake! 🙂 Thank-you so much for leading this Bible study. This was truly the BEST Bible study I have ever read/completed. WOW.
When you mention the look in God’s eyes mirroring how you look at your own child, I am reminded of my Boaz. I knew he loved me when he looked at me with the same look of adoration I had seen in my father’s eyes. Yep, I felt completely secure and loved. Over 9 years of marriage and counting.
Again, bless you for sharing the story of Ruth, Boaz, Naomi, and the rest of the gang with us. Ruth certainly has characteristics that we would all do well to model ourselves after. And what a beautiful story of redemption.
Yep, I’ve got it to…salvation through Jesus Christ, my Lord.
Love ya,
Laurel 🙂
Blessed to hear you’ve enjoyed our study, Laurel. I’ve looked forward to each Wednesday, just to see what everyone is learning and sharing. You’ve taught us lots!
Lord, I love you more than anything- any breath I take, You are my everything, I just want to praise you and live my life for you, serving others and telling them about you. I love how you have taken me in your arms and loved me from the very beginning of my walk with you. I know I’m a sinner saved only by grace and I am so thankful for your loving kindness. I have sat at the feet of my elders and they have taught me so much about you and I know now is the time for me to teach others. So thank you for your loving kindness that reaches me all the days of my life.
Amen, Kathy!
Thank you.
YES, Kathy. The point of learning God ‘s Word is so we can 1) live it and 2) share it. May God continue to fill your heart!
Thank you for this bible study; I have really enjoy it. Prayers are sent your way for your safe travel. This bible study is going to be a present for a girlfriend of mine who is becoming a minister; am going to wrap up a copy of the book and a copy of your bible study for her. I look forward in reading your blog. Have a very merry happy thanksgiving.
Pass it on, Sue! Thanks for doing so. Include a hug from Lizzie. 🙂
What a wonderful study this has been! I am planning to facilitate this study for our Ladies’ Bible Class next spring. Liz, I appreciate so much your extensive research for your books and have “gleaned” a lot from your blog and the comments of everyone. Just want to close with “and your God my God.”
Isn’t it glorious to serve the SAME God? No wonder we are knit together! Let me know how your study goes next spring, Lois. This blog will remain up permanently, so you can reference what’s here whenever you like.
At my mother-in-law’s funeral services, her daughter read Proverbs 31. I confess, I had never thought of my in-law as compared to that standard. It is a standard we would all like to acheive. I broke down when I heard it read. She was a virtuous woman who always had a solution to any problem and had an open door to all in need. We didn’t always appreciate her “fix-its”, but I had her as a mother for 41 years and she did love me. My own mother I had for 58 years and her voice is with me always. In response to your question, Liz, I would like to sing the words to the old hymn. “Fill My Cup Lord”…”I lift it up Lord…..Bread of Heaven, fill me til I want no more” Though He filled my cup upon my salvation, He will continue to fill my heart if I look for Him in His Word. So, your Bible Study blogs will continue to encourage me to lift up my cup. Have a great time, in Scotland, Liz and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
So fitting that you would remember Proverbs 31 being read at her funeral, when we know that in the Hebrew Bible the book of Ruth came immediately after, “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” (Proverbs 31:31). Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Lord, you are my Lord, my Savior, my heavenly father, my rock & strength in tough times. Help me to always look to you first, trust in your plan for me, listen & follow as you guide me in your ways, and help me to love & serve others with Christ like love. Lord, I put my life in your hands!
Liz, thank you for this amazing study on the book of Ruth! It’s been incredible and such a blessing! I loved it! I’ve actually got my mother-in-law reading it now, my mother just ordered it, and now a friend & I are going through it together! What fun! 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving!
I look forward to studying “The Women of Christmas” with you next!
All those women studying God’s Word together…love it, Sherry! Our next study will begin with Elizabeth, the woman of the Bible I was named for (as was my mother). Oh, what a story!
Lord, despite my failures and short comings…. I love you ~ I believe in you with my whole heart. I know beyond any doubt that You are Who You say You are and for that I am truly grateful.
Thank you Liz, for blessing me through your Godly words and example! Looking forward to what’s next.
Of all the things we have to be thankful for, Brandi, you have put into words the greatest blessing of all: God is Who He says He is. Thanks for bringing something special to our discussion each week. See you next Wednesday!
Father may my eyes always be on you. May I always follow your ways for you are my rock and my salvation. You are my constant! Where you lead, may I be faithful and follow. Use me and allow me to be your hands, your feet, your eyes and ears, may I be a light in the darkness to always do your work, your way.
Thank you Liz for your wisdom and insight and for your guidance! May our Lord continue to guide you in your ministry!
“You are my constant.” YES, Shelley. Beautifully put. I take such comfort in the assurance, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Looking forward to celebrating the Advent season with you!
Hi, Liz. Thank you for this study blog–I’m looking forward to studying about the women of Christmas. It’s great to get together with others who love the Lord.
I learned about God’s unfailing, unconditional love for me through my husband. When I realized God loved me like my husband does, but more and better, it broke down barriers for me. Later, when I had a child, I better understood the parental love God has for us.
Thank you, Father, for Your unchanging and unchangeable nature, for caring about Your creation and all that is in it. Thank you that You love us personally and call us continually to be with You. I pray for those who have not turned to You, that You will open their hearts and minds and lead them to turn to You and be saved.
“Where you lead me, I will follow, and where you place me, I will serve. Your family, Lord, is my family, and your risen Son my Savior. Whatever may come, Lord, I love you, I love you, I love you!” How could i say my commitment to my Lord any better than you did, my dear Lizzy! Also, when you compared the love i have holding my grandbabies in my arms to the love my God has for me … wow! I’d never looked at His love for me in those grand terms. He loves mea whole, whole bunch!!! Thanks for the thought!
When I do reply, I’m always late, but I have enjoyed this study so much!! Thank you, thank you, Liz.
My pledge: Habakkuk 3:17-18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD, I WILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION.
Looking forward to “Women of Christmas.”
I am the late one, but just arrived back home after traveling by car from Oklahoma back to Arizona after spending time with a son and his family. Gives you alot of time to
think and pray. Thank you Liz for such an awesome time and for each woman who
responded, your comments have touched my soul. My commitment is to truly trust in the Lord with my heart, my life and my everything!!! May my life be a sweet taste of the Lord and His love to all I come in contact with.
Liz,
Thank you for leading this Bible study. Your book is a great reminder to us all that no matter what we have done or how far we have strayed from God, he is waiting to welcome us back. In fact he continues to pursue us even when we aren’t looking to him. What a great and awesome God we have.
Thanks for a great book…and for fabulous discussion each week here. I missed last week…somehow.
I’ll be writing up a review of this sweet book in December! 🙂
Dear Liz – fellow “Sister of the mud!”
For the last 7 weeks my gang of ladies here in SW Nova Scotia have been doing your Bible study on Ruth. I have hosted it in my home on Mondays, both a morning and an evening session to accomodate everyone. We all loved the study and have learned so much – we will never look at the book of Ruth quite the same way.
Today I asked them what they wanted to say to you and they replied: “Tell her we loved it and we want more!” Much as we all enjoy your fictional books, we do so hope you will do more Bible studies with the DVD to go along with them.
God bless you as you serve our Redeemer!
Liz,
I’ve just recently found your blog and Bible studies. About a week I saw your blog about The Christmas Story: Mary, Elizabeth …. in Luke 2. I’m pretty sure that’s when I signed up for your weekly Bible study and when I received the first blog of the year I found this study on the book of Ruth. I am so thrilled that I did. I sit for an elderly lady who is now bedridden but loves to read and loves the Lord. She isn’t able to read on her own now and since I’m with her 4 days a week I read to her. Thursday we started on lesson 1 and read about 3 hours, with our commentary added, taking all the time she wanted. I read more on Friday, about 2 hours and then this morning we read the last 3 lessons. She and I have both thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this time, every bit of the studies and she is thrilled to listen to someone read to her as she was an avid reader prior to being in this state of mind. She has dimensia and remembers hardly any current things but has a great mind and memory of the past. Her Bibles are about to fall apart, have notes stuck everywhere and nearly every page is written in. She can really speak with great wisdom when it comes to the Bible and things of the Lord. You have really brightened her days as we’ve walked with you through Ruth’s life. Thanks so much. Now it’s on to the current study and everything else I can find on this blog as long as she is with us. Her days are going downhill and this is one great, bright light for her. Again, thank you.
Psalm 150 ~ Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord!
Liz,
Our Ladies’ Class (15-23 attend) recently completed a ten-week study of Ruth using your book and video. In order to fit this time period, we combined the Introduction and Chapter 1, Chapters 3 and 4, and Chapters 8 and 9. The ladies loved the study. Each week they expressed how much they looked forward to class and how much they had gained in knowledge of the study of Ruth and Naomi because of the background, research, and insights you provided. They join me in saying it was a spiritual feast. Thank you.
We have studied “Bad Girls” and “Really Bad Girls” in the past and enjoyed them as well. Look forward to future studies.
Yes! it’s really related to Psalm:113.
Thank you Liz! God has spoke with me today with these words,
Gideon,
India
009895214337