Introductory Thoughts
The book of Ruth tells the story of a family torn apart by death and how God miraculously worked behind the scenes. Ruth, a Moabite, married a Jew who was the son of Elimelech and Naomi. Over time while Naomi lived in Moab, her husband and both of her sons died. After their deaths, Naomi determined to return to the land of Judah. Naomi discouraged both Ruth and Orpah (her daughters-in-law) from returning with her. Each had to decide whether to go with Naomi or stay with their families in the land of Moab. Orpah decided to stay, while Ruth chose to go with Naomi. At the time, Ruth’s decision seemed foolish. Yet, all those who read the book of Ruth know the blessings associated with this one wise decision. Ruth came to Bethlehem at the right time (Ruth 1:22), married a great man named Boaz (Ruth 4:13), and God allowed her to become part of the lineage of King David and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:17; Matthew 1:5).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Every day, missionaries leave their friends and family to travel to faraway lands simply to tell people about the Lord. These are very difficult decisions and not everyone agrees with them. What good can come from such a decision?
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(For everyone): Do you think that Ruths decision to go was easier than Orpahs decision to stay? Why or why not? Which one made the right choice? What happened to Orpah after she decided to stay? What happened to Ruth?
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What would Ruth have missed had she decided to stay in Moab? Is it possible that you will miss some blessings if you fail to make wise choices and correct decisions?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you see the long-term effects of your present decisions.
- Pray that He will give you the wisdom to make the right choices, even when they are difficult to make.
Song
O! SAY, BUT I'M GLAD
