Return to Hope
Ruth 1:19-22
As Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem, God’s restoration is evident despite Naomi’s bitterness, calling for trust in His renewal and a faithful step forward as their return demonstrates.
This lesson will help you understand the beginning of Ruth’s integration into the people of God, recognise how her experience may parallel your own experience, and encourage you to keep pursuing life with God’s people even when you may feel unnoticed or neglected. Beginning of integration (Ruth), re-integration (Naomi). People don’t seem to notice Ruth – she is overlooked. Want to notice the kind of struggle that Ruth is faced with? Was Naomi ashamed of Ruth? (Naomi says she came back empty). How was the bitterness of Naomi affecting Ruth. How might BMB’s experience in a church be similar to Ruth being overlooked when arriving in Bethlehem. Want to highlight the BMB’s responsibility to persist in integrating with the people of God, despite potentially being overlooked or neglected.
