First
United Methodist Church 
Study Guide and Daily Devotion
Monday, January 29
Today we’ll read the first part of the story of Ruth. This is a wonderful story of love, of family loyalty, and of tragedy and God’s providence. Read Ruth 1. What occurred here? Naomi means “pleasant” but she changes her name to Mara, which means “bitter.” Terrible bitterness has come into her life, and to her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Re-read Ruth 1:16-17 – what does this tell us about Ruth? How is Ruth an example for us regarding our care for our parents? Pray for your parents. If they are deceased, talk to God about them. If they are still living, pray for them, and for your relationship with them. Invite God to guide you as to how you are to be in ministry with them.Tuesday, January 30
We’ll continue our study of Ruth today. Read Ruth 2. It was required by the Law that farmers leave some grain at the edges of their field, and that which had fallen to the ground, for the poor to come and glean. Read Leviticus 19:9-10. How was this a part of God’s plan for social security? What do we know about Ruth’s character? What do we learn about Boaz? How do you think God was at work in the events described in this chapter? Certainly God had given the Law requiring Boaz to allow Ruth and others to glean; but was God working in Boaz’ heart? How does Ruth care for Naomi? How is Naomi caring for Ruth? In what ways do you assist the poor? There are a myriad of opportunities to do this through our church. Notice Boaz’ generous spirit. Pray that your spirit might be like his.Wednesday, January 31
As you read today’s chapter it is helpful to know that another provision in the Law of Moses related to widows and the provision for their needs and for offspring to care for them. Read Deuteronomy 25:5-10 where the Law points to the requirement of a sibling (understood to be any close family member) to care for and produce an offspring with a widow of a deceased sibling. This is known as a “kinsman-redeemer.” Now, read Ruth 3. Here you can picture Naomi as something like the “matchmaker” in Fiddler on the Roof. She is helping Ruth understand how to court Boaz – or at least make an overture to him about becoming her “kinsman-redeemer.” It is likely that Boaz is much older than Ruth. The story shows the roles men and women played in society – women being at the mercy of men who were willing to “redeem” them after the death of their mate. We would be critical of this system today, but in the time of Ruth this was a way of ensuring the “social security” of widows. In this particular story there is a beauty and a tenderness that should not be missed. How does this story point to our need to continue to care for widows in our own families? Do you have any family members who have lost a mate and who might need your love and encouragement or your help?Thursday, February 1
In today’s story we see that Boaz had come to care about Ruth, and yet there is a legal responsibility for him to approach the closest of Ruth’s deceased husband’s kin to give them the opportunity to be the “kinsman-redeemer” first. The Laws regarding “kinsman-redeemers” included a provision that any of the property of the deceased could be redeemed or purchased by the next of kin rather than having it be bought by someone outside the family. The next of kin, in our story today, is very interested in owning Naomi’s son’s property, but when he finds there is a wife attached to the property, he gets cold feet. Read Ruth 4. How did God provide for both Naomi and Ruth in this story? How did he bring blessings after terrible tragedy? Ruth was blessed, in part because she insisted on caring for her mother-in-law. What blessings might there be hidden in caring for our aging parents? What does this story teach us about how God works in the world?Friday, February 2
Read Philippians 2:3-4 and Colossians 3:12-15. How do these passages speak to God’s will for how we relate to our parents? How does the I-Thou/I-It concept relate to our relationship with our parents? If your parents are still living, take the time to write an e-mail, note, or to make a call to express your love for your parents, or your care for them. How is God calling you to care for your parents?