Day 1 – THE STORY
Ruth was a Moabite woman who married an Israelite. Sadly, Ruth’s husband died at the same time his father and brother died. All that was left of the family was Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, and sister-in-law, Orpah. Naomi was an Israelite and Ruth and Orpah were from Moab. The people of Moab did not believe in God and the Israelites were not supposed to marry people who did not believe in God. Naomi knew that Ruth and Orpah would most likely not be able to marry again if they left Moab. So, Naomi told them to stay and she would go back to the land of Israel. Orpah stayed in Moab, but Ruth decided to do something different. Find out what she did here.
Read Ruth 1:11 and Ruth 1:14-18
What did Ruth choose to do?
Look at verse 16. Ruth was not an Israelite, God’s people. Did she believe in God?
Day 2 – THE WITNESSES
In today’s world, a girl can get a job and take care of herself. In those days, the husband took care of the women. If they didn’t have a husband, their dad would take care of them. Since all the men had died, there was no one to take care of Naomi and Ruth. They were super poor! Ruth could have stayed in Moab and been fine, but she thought being with God was more important than having food and things! Ruth also knew the right thing to do was to not leave her older mother-in-law. Ruth probably knew that she needed to help Naomi, so off to Israel she went.
Read Joshua 1:7
Was Ruth a good friend to Naomi? How did she tell Naomi that she would always be there for her? Would you be able to give up food and comforts for someone else?
Would you be able to give up your life for someone else?
Day 3 – THE SOURCE
Next week we will read a little more of Ruth’s story, but here is a little preview: God provided for Ruth and Naomi, and Ruth married a man named Boaz. Ruth was willing to give her life for Naomi, but she didn’t actually have to die for her. But, there was someone who had to give up His life for you.
Read 1 John 3:16
Who gave up His life for you? What should you do for others?
Day 4 – THE MOTIVE
Read Matthew 22:36-38
What is the first thing we are supposed to do?
What is the second thing God asks us to do?
Did Ruth do this for Naomi?
Do you do this for others?
Sometimes when you read the Bible, it’s hard to understand where people live. Use a map to find Israel and Moab.
Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Moab, Ruth’s people, and Israel, Naomi’s people, were neighbors. In honor of this story, this week is “Neighbor Appreciation Week!” God asks you to love your neighbor; so spend some time this week helping out your neighbor. How nice would it be if you helped them do yard work? Or maybe you could make sure their newspaper is on their porch every morning? It could be fun to deliver cookies to a neighbor. Use your imagination and have fun!
