Message of Hope: Compassionate kindness to others will bring you the biggest blessing.
Read and S.O.A.P
Today’s story is about compassionate kindness. In today’s world, acts of kindness come in various sizes, shapes, and sometimes happen with a variety of motives and degrees of accountability. Even though some of the questions that come up in the next few days might be a bit sensitive to discuss in a group setting, let’s remember to be very compassionate as we explore this story together.
Read Ruth 2:14-23
Which verse(s) stands out to you?
S.O.A.P it.
Excerpts and questions used in this study are used by permission from
Living in the Moment 
Ruth 2:14-23S- And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.” Ruth 2:20O- In today’s passage, the word ‘redeemer’ stands out for me. I understand the concept of Jesus being our ‘redeemer’, freeing us from bondage and sin. But, what does the whole idea of ‘kinsman redeemer’ mean in the book of Ruth? What I found is that a kinsman redeemer was a male relative, who had the privilege/responsibility to help a relative who was in need, whether it be trouble, danger or poverty. In Hebrew, the term ‘go el’ means one who delivers or rescues (Gen 48:16/Exodus 6:6) or someone who redeems a person or property (Lev. 27:9-25, 25:47-55)Boaz, being Naomi’s relative, was obligated, according the laws of the Pentateuch (first 5 books in the Bible) to redeem her from the poverty she was left in because of the death of her family. He took his responsibility very seriously. It seems, however, that he went beyond his duty. He made sure she was well fed. She had food left over to bring to Naomi at the end of the day. He instructed his servants to leave extras behind them, for her to glean more easily. At the end of one day she had gleaned over 20 litres of grain. This seems like a generous amount. Besides all this, Boaz instructed her to stay in her fields and told his servants not to harm her. He provided safety for her in addition to nourishment and work to help provide for Naomi.A-It seems to me that there is a connection between the Kinsman Redeemer that Boaz was for Ruth and Naomi and the Kinsman Redeemer that Jesus was for each of us in the sacrifice he made for us on the Cross. Because of what He did that day, so long ago, we are redeemed. He is our provider and our saviour. Sometimes it is easy to get stuck in the rut of waiting for ‘the next thing’ or thinking ‘the grass is greener on the other side’. Were those thoughts in Ruth’s mind? Possibly. God knew her needs. He knew her hurts and the things she lacked. Through this all, God provided what Ruth needed just at the right time. Perhaps she would have chosen her life to be a little differently. A lot differently, but God provided, in His perfect timing.P- Thank you, Lord, for the example of Kinsman Redeemer that Boaz is for us in the story of Ruth. I can’t help but see a connection between him and the descendants after him tied all the way to Jesus in genealogy. All the way to each of us~children of God. Sometimes I get caught up in the waiting of this season of life to end and the next one to start. Lord, these days I dream of buying a house and unpacking our moving trailer. I dream of getting out of this basement apartment and starting our life in our own home. That the kids can run around and play with their toys that are unpacked and not tucked away in a trailer. That we can set up our home and entertain family and friends as we have dreamed of for so long. I so easily get stuck in this rut. I am reminded that Your timing is perfect and that in this time of waiting we look for and enjoy the blessings, because truthfully, there are so very many. Thank you, Lord, for this reminder. Father God, put your hand upon each of the wonderful people participating in this study. Bless them abundantly today. Remind them of the Kinsman Redeemer that You are in our lives ~ the hurt that you heal, the blessings you bestow on us, the love that you so freely give. Help us to remember this today.In Your Holy Name, Amen!
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This is a very inspiring study. Reminds me of my mother always saying \”0ne day at a time\” and count your blessings Cindy
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