Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Hope in the Darkness - Ruth 1

Bryan Schneider · April 27, 2019

Ruth 1

sharonrpc.org/sermons/hope-in-the-darkness-ruth-1

Summary

Ruth begins during the dark days of the judges, when famine drives Elimelech's family from Bethlehem into Moab and death leaves Naomi bereaved.
Naomi honestly recognizes God's sovereignty over her bitter losses rather than explaining them as meaningless accidents.
Ruth's covenant oath joins her permanently to Naomi, Israel, and the Lord, displaying loyal lovingkindness in the midst of grief.
God's providence can be both painful and trustworthy; the same sovereign Shepherd who leads through the valley remains powerful and good.
The chapter closes at the barley harvest, a quiet sign that God has brought Naomi and Ruth back to bread, life, and unfolding redemption.

When suffering is real, do I deny God's sovereignty, accuse him of evil, or entrust unanswered questions to his character?
What does Ruth's costly loyalty teach me about covenant commitment when circumstances are painful?
Can I lament honestly before God without concluding that he has abandoned his people?
Where is a quiet sign of God's provision that I may be overlooking because the full redemption is not yet visible?
Is my hope grounded in circumstances becoming easy or in the sovereign Shepherd who leads through the valley?

Providence: God's sovereign, wise, and purposeful ordering of all events, including circumstances his people cannot yet understand.
Lovingkindness: Steadfast covenant loyalty and mercy, reflected in Ruth's commitment and ultimately grounded in God's own character.
Covenant oath: A solemn promise made before the Lord, as Ruth binds her people, place, life, death, and God to Naomi's.
Hope: Trust that God's power and goodness continue through darkness and will accomplish his redemptive purpose.