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 Food For Thought

For the week of August 29, 2010
(Questions and Scriptures for further personal study)

1.  Redemption means to restore (or buy back) that which has been lost. Because Ruth was a Moabite, and was therefore associated with idolatry, she was "unacceptable" to the Israelites in many ways.  Even though Boaz could have rejected Ruth, he chose to "redeem" her instead.  As you read Ruth 3:7-17, consider Boaz's kindness, acceptance and provision for Ruth.  In what ways does Ruth's interaction with Boaz resemble our own redeeming interaction with God?
    
Ruth 3:7-17 
    When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. [8] In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet. 
    [9] "Who are you?" he asked.
    "I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer." 
    [10] "The Lord bless you, my daughter," he replied. "This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. [11] And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. [12] Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. [13] Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning." 
    [14] So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, "Don't let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor." 
    [15] He also said, "Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out." When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and put it on her. Then he went back to town. 
    [16] When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, "How did it go, my daughter?"
    Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her [17] and added, "He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, 'Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.' " [NIV] 

2.  The writers of Scripture occasionally use metaphors or imagery to help us better understand the truth they are communicating.  In Ruth 2:11-13, Boaz prayed that Ruth would find refuge "under the wings" of God.  How do the following Psalms help you better understand what it means to be under God's wings?
    
Psalm 17:6-9 
    I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
        give ear to me and hear my prayer. 
    [7] Show the wonder of your great love,
        you who save by your right hand
        those who take refuge in you from their foes. 
    [8] Keep me as the apple of your eye;
        hide me in the shadow of your wings 
    [9] from the wicked who assail me,
        from my mortal enemies who surround me. [NIV]
 
Psalm 36:5-7 
    Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
        your faithfulness to the skies. 
    [6] Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
        your justice like the great deep.
    O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. 
        [7] How priceless is your unfailing love!
    Both high and low among men
        find refuge in the shadow of your wings. [NIV] 

Psalm 57:1-3 
For the director of music. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

    Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
        for in you my soul takes refuge.
    I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
        until the disaster has passed.
 
    [2] I cry out to God Most High,
        to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. 
    [3] He sends from heaven and saves me,
        rebuking those who hotly pursue me; 
Selah
        God sends his love and his faithfulness. [NIV] 

Psalm 63:2-8 
    I have seen you in the sanctuary
        and beheld your power and your glory. 
    [3] Because your love is better than life,
        my lips will glorify you. 
    [4] I will praise you as long as I live,
        and in your name I will lift up my hands. 
    [5] My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
        with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 
    [6] On my bed I remember you;
        I think of you through the watches of the night. 
    [7] Because you are my help,
        I sing in the shadow of your wings. 
    [8] My soul clings to you;
        your right hand upholds me. [NIV]

3.  Ruth didn't have much to offer by her world's standards.  She was a bereaved widow living in a foreign land with foreign rules.  One thing she did bring to the table was her humility.  Ruth was rewarded for her character, obedience and humility.  How do you see humility being rewarded in the following verses?
    
1 Peter 5:5-7 
    Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

    "God opposes the proud
        but gives grace to the humble."
 
[6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. [NIV] 

Proverbs 15:33 
    The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom,
        and humility comes before honor. [NIV]
 

Luke 14:8-11 
    "When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. [9] If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. [10] But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. [11] For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." [NIV] 

Thomas Aquinas wrote, "If you are looking for an example of humility, look at the cross." How could Christ's example and the story of Ruth help you move toward humility in your own life?
Can you think of a place where you could use a healthy dose of humility?