Scripture Verses
Read the context around these key verses when possible!
Reflections
Ruth was a Moabite (from the land of Moab) and a widow. She followed her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Naomi’s people (the Israelites). Ruth was a foreigner, and she didn’t have anyone to take care of her. She didn’t have a place to really belong and be at home.
The LORD cared for all people and provided ways for the widows to have food and a family. The field workers were to leave grain in the field for the widows to glean so they could eat. He also provided a way for a widow to be redeemed – saved from her desperate situation and given a home and a family! A redeemer (one of the family members) could redeem her – pay the price, marry her as his own wife, and give her a home with him.
Boaz became the redeemer for Ruth.
He saved her from being a lonely, foreign widow and brought her back into a loving family! In fact, she had a son who became the grandfather of King David, and we know who was born into King David’s family – Jesus!
Jesus is our Redeemer!
What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?
“One who is truly human and also truly God.”
Why must the Redeemer be truly human?
“That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin.”
Why must the Redeemer be truly God?
“That because of his divine nature his obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective.”
New City Catechism, Questions 21-23
We indeed have a Redeemer who is truly human and truly God. We are not abandoned or left alone! He makes us His own, sets us in His family, and brings us back to God.
What joy is ours!
Going Deeper with teens/preteens: Explore the Book of Ruth with the Bible Project.
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs
Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me
Note: Our family enjoys singing hymns from Hosanna, Loud Hosannas – Student Hymnal. It contains a mix of traditional and modern hymns organized by the church year and by topic. There is a section on Advent and Christmas with hymns like Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus. Each hymn has a page about the text, the tune, and life application. We use these hymnals throughout the year.
The following are available on Right Now Media:
The Book of Ruth – The Bible Project
Mighty to Save – From Seeds Family Worship, Praise Album
Discussion
What do we have without Christ? What is our condition without Christ? What does our Redeemer give us? What are the benefits of being in His family?
Neighbors & Nations
We are blessed to be a blessing. Whether near or far, God’s heart is to make His name known so people from every nation will worship Him.
What can our family do today to make God’s name known?
Ideas for December 4
Care for the widows in your church.
- Take them some meals that will keep well in the fridge or freezer that can be easily heated up. Bake them some Christmas goodies.
- Rake leaves, shovel snow, or do some house cleaning. Ask what projects you can help with!
- Include them in your family activities. Visit… send photos, cards, artwork… offer rides if needed… be the family of God.
If you are using the Advent Prayer Chain, pray for the next link.
If you have the Seeing Jesus stickers, add the circle to today's banner and review the previous stickers.
Seeing Jesus, Advent Wall Sticker Set is a Christmas countdown that provides a visual reminder of each day’s focus to help us see and celebrate Jesus.