Slideshow image

Ruth Lesson 2

The Preacher’s Pen

In our last study, we were introduced to the central characters in the story of Ruth. We saw Ruth as the sinner, Naomi as the backslidden believer, and Boaz as the kinsman redeemer. Now in Lesson 2, we begin to walk through the actual events of Chapter 1 — and what a journey it is. If you’ve ever felt like your life was falling apart, this chapter will speak directly to your heart.

1. When Life Falls Apart

Ruth 1:1–5

Elimelech and his family leave Bethlehem because of a famine. In a human sense, it sounds reasonable — “you gotta do what you gotta do.” But there’s more to this move than geography. Their departure was also spiritual.

“If we don’t stay in our famine long enough, we will never appreciate fresh bread.” – SCH

Bethlehem means “House of Bread,” and yet they left the place of God’s provision to find worldly security. The result? Emptiness, loss, and sorrow. When we seek physical solutions without spiritual guidance, we often end up in worse shape than before.

2. The Road Home

Ruth 1:6–18

After loss upon loss, Naomi hears that the Lord has visited His people in Bethlehem. With her heart broken and her hands empty, she decides to return. This is the turning point.

Along the way, two decisions are made:

  • Orpah stays in Moab.

  • Ruth clings to Naomi and chooses Bethlehem — and more importantly, she chooses Naomi’s God.

“Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” (v.16)

This was more than sentiment — it was surrender. Ruth left behind her past, her country, and her false gods to follow the one true God.

3. Bitterness to Blessing

Ruth 1:19–22

Naomi’s return is marked by heartbreak. She tells the people not to call her Naomi (which means “pleasant”), but Mara(“bitter”). She feels empty, forsaken, and unrecognizable.

And yet — God does His best work in our lives when we are broken and helpless. When life is at its worst, God is at His best.

Verse 22 might seem like a mere closing note — but don’t miss its message:

“And they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.”

That little phrase points to a brighter day. The season is shifting. A harvest is on the horizon.

Final Thoughts

Whatever you are facing in life — sin, pain, poverty, bitterness, or even death — don’t lose hope. God knows how to let the sun shine again in your life.

If you feel far from Him, just return to the last place and time when you felt His presence. Like Naomi and Ruth, come back to Bethlehem — come back to the House of Bread — and you’ll find that God was waiting for you all along.