Remember, in His Word, God has:
- Something to see – what does the text say
- Something to understand – what does it mean
- Something to apply – what does it mean to me
- Something to praise – for what are you thankful?
(1) Through the Bible
| Day 1: 1 Kings 21, 22 | Day 4: 2 Kings 5, 6 |
| Day 2: 2 Kings 1, 2 | Day 5: 2 Kings 7, 8 |
| Day 3: 2 Kings 3, 4 | Day 6: 2 Kings 9, 10 |
This Sunday’s theme from the book of Ruth concerns “the deliverer”. The book’s context continues the kind of dark days seen in Judges. Israel is under judgment and experiencing famine and war. We are familiar now with the pattern of sin, sufferng, supplication, and salvation (especially in Judges). In contrast to the grand sweeping narrative of the judges of Israel, we see the struggle of one small family in a small town – and particularly through the eyes of a seemingly insignificant woman. It is a lovely story highlighted by themes of love, devotion, and obedience; yet with the sovereign faithfulness of God to individuals and history on full display.
For our key passages this week I want to encourage you to read more than you normally would. The book of Ruth really should be read as a whole unit. It is a beautifully crafted story, and I just don’t feel right about giving you a set of texts that leave out significant parts of the narrative. Get through the whole story and let me know how thankful you are for doing it! 🙂
(2) Key Passages
| Day 1: Ruth 1:1-17 | Day 1: Ruth 3:1-15 |
| Day 2: Ruth 1:18-2:7 | Day 2: Ruth 3:16-4:10 |
| Day 3: Ruth 2:8-2:23 | Day 3: Ruth 4:11-22 |
(3) Key Verses
If you are an early reader, can I encourage you to have someone read the story of Ruth to you, rather than pick out just a few of its verses? It is a short and beautiful story that should be read in full. I have broken the story up in 6 parts to be read through the week, or you could have someone read it through in one go!
(4) Pre-readers (in the translation of your choice, quoted below from the NLT)
To the parents: If you have older children on the above reading plans, please note the recommendations in bold regarding the “Key Passages” and “Key Verses”.
“Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel!”
Ruth 4:14