Bible Study Guide for Sunday, October 31, 2021

• Ruth 1:1-18
• Psalm 146
• Hebrews 9:11-14
• Mark 12:28-34

 

The story of Ruth is well-loved among Christians and Jews alike, and for good reason. Ruth's tenacious personality makes her a great protagonist. To open her story, we see her humble origins. In the patriarchy common to this era, these three unmarried women are utterly unable to support themselves, and are some of the most vulnerable members of society. Naomi wisely advises the younger women to return back home, where chances are good they'll get married again and return to the usual rhythm of life.

But - Ruth takes a chance on Naomi. She recites a beautiful verse affirming her utmost devotion to Naomi, her God, and her people, even to Naomi's death. Her firm devotion is to Naomi alone. As we'll soon see, Naomi's path takes Ruth towards the God of Israel as well.

This week's psalm has a jubilant tone, and all people are encouraged to hold fast to God's plan: "put no trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth". Ruth may be approaching belief in the God of Israel, but I don't think she's showing the same degree of faith as the psalmist. At this point, Ruth has heard only hearsay-of-hearsay of God's word. Her faith is youthful and she perceives only the earthly side of God's providence. God has selected her, but she can't quite see His hand yet.

What hope this gives us who wonder where God is in our lives! We can't all be prophets, and God's will for us can seem obscure or vague. We don't always know how to listen, or what to listen for. However, we do have trusted people in our lives, people whose love carries us forward, taking the next step towards Jerusalem. Ruth's honest, heartfelt faith in Naomi and Naomi's care is what carries her forward here. God is still working on her through Naomi, even when she can't tell it's happening.

I see a similar thread connecting this to Jesus's words in the gospel reading as well. God's law gives us insight into what God wants from us on earth. It's striking that on the lengthy list of God's many laws, love takes both first and second place. We're called to love God, and loving God must include loving our neighbors. Jesus keeps our focus on God's true purpose, and affirms that rather than bickering over fine points of law, God's will is for us to love, deeply. Such love may take us on long voyages, like Ruth, but we have assurance we'll never be far from God.

- Betsy Noecker

• Are there times in your life when God spoke to you through other people?
• When God's call is unclear, to whom or what do you turn for guidance?
• Have you ever stuck with a person or situation that challenged you, as Ruth did?