Well. Thank you to Jess for a really engaging reflection on the story of Ruth! She laid down a bit of a challenge for us this week, so this devo will explore some of that…
Young and Spirited (part 2)
“Ruth”
Devotional Notes
If alone, begin with a short prayer for God to speak to you and then sit and read Ruth from beginning to end. Do it. It’s only four chapters. Read it prayerfully, listening for God… seriously, read it.
If a group, pray that you will be open before God and before each other.
Group: Share stories of when you’ve been in a risky, scary, or inappropriate situation (humourous or serious).
Read this risky but remarkable story from Ruth: Ruth 3:6-13
Jess drew two things from Ruth:
- Risky faith: Ruth did some pretty risky things out of devotion to Naomi.
- Character: Ruth had a wonderful character that displayed humility, devotion, bravery, courage…
Jess encouraged us to reflect on one or the other. If alone, begin a conversation with God in prayer and continue throughout the week. Either reflect on your character or reflect on what it looks like for you to have a “risky faith”. Journal your thoughts and you might like to come up with one or two concrete steps that you can work on this week.
(The rest of the study is for a group) Discuss what a “risky faith” looks like. Do you agree that faith should be risky and if so what do you mean by it?
Reflect on Ruth’s story. Do you think she was wise to behave like she did? Why or why not?
Watch this video of the harakeke flax, which we watched on Sunday night. Discuss this metaphor in more depth. What stands out for you? How does it relate to Ruth and risky faith?
Which part of the harakeke do you most affiliate with? Why? How can you contribute to the rest of the Living Room “harakeke”/faith community?
Pray together with the image of the harakeke in mind. Pray for the “rito”, the “awhi rito” and the “tupuna”. If you feel comfortable, you may like to pray for increased devotion and faithfulness to one another as a group — that you may develop a deep sense of trust.