DAY 12
RUTH & BOAZ
May the Lord reward you for what you have done. May the God of Israel bless you richly. You have come to him to find safety under his care.
-Ruth 2:12
PAUSE
After Joshua and the Israelites entered the Promised Land, things went well for a time. However, the people eventually began to disobey God. Despite their bad choices, there were always some who remained faithful and desired to follow Him. Ruth’s story is about one such family—people who loved and trusted God. Her family would play a key role in God’s plan to rescue the world from sin.
Ruth’s journey began in a land called Moab, where she lived with her husband and mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth had grown up in a culture that worshiped false gods, but during her time with Naomi and her husband, she learned about the true, living God. She witnessed their faith and devotion, and eventually, Ruth made the life-changing decision to worship God herself.
Tragedy struck when Naomi’s husband and Ruth’s husband both died. Grieving and uncertain about the future, Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Bethlehem. Out of love and loyalty to Naomi, Ruth chose to go with her, even though she would be a stranger in a foreign land.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth and Naomi had no food. To provide for them, Ruth went to gather leftover grain in a nearby field. She didn’t know it at the time, but the field belonged to a kind and wealthy man named Boaz, who loved God. Boaz noticed Ruth and learned about her faith, kindness, and care for Naomi. Over time, Boaz grew to love Ruth. Eventually, they married, and Boaz provided for both Ruth and Naomi, ensuring they never went without food again.
Ruth and Boaz had a son named Obed, who would become the father of Jesse. Through their family line, God would bring the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Ruth’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s faithful plan and provision. Just as God had a special purpose for Ruth, He has a special plan for you too!
DISCUSSION
What can we learn from Ruth’s choice to follow God despite growing up in a culture that worshiped false gods?
How can we show love and care for the people in our lives, especially during hard times?
What qualities should we look for and demonstrate in our relationships with others?
How does Ruth and Boaz’s story show that God can use anyone to fulfill His plans?
PRAY
Thank you God for the story of Ruth. Thank you for having a plan for my life just like you had for Ruth. Please help us to be kind and love others like you love us.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find an ornament that corresponds with today’s content - Ruth & Boaz. Then hang your twelfth ornament on the tree.
Family memories: As a family, make a list of kind things that you could do for others this Christmas.
Take a video of your kids answering the above questions and putting your 12th ornament on your Advent tree. Then, post your video to the group or tag @summitparkchurch!
May the Lord reward you for what you have done. May the God of Israel bless you richly. You have come to him to find safety under his care.
-Ruth 2:12
PAUSE
After Joshua and the Israelites entered the Promised Land, things went well for a time. However, the people eventually began to disobey God. Despite their bad choices, there were always some who remained faithful and desired to follow Him. Ruth’s story is about one such family—people who loved and trusted God. Her family would play a key role in God’s plan to rescue the world from sin.
Ruth’s journey began in a land called Moab, where she lived with her husband and mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth had grown up in a culture that worshiped false gods, but during her time with Naomi and her husband, she learned about the true, living God. She witnessed their faith and devotion, and eventually, Ruth made the life-changing decision to worship God herself.
Tragedy struck when Naomi’s husband and Ruth’s husband both died. Grieving and uncertain about the future, Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Bethlehem. Out of love and loyalty to Naomi, Ruth chose to go with her, even though she would be a stranger in a foreign land.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth and Naomi had no food. To provide for them, Ruth went to gather leftover grain in a nearby field. She didn’t know it at the time, but the field belonged to a kind and wealthy man named Boaz, who loved God. Boaz noticed Ruth and learned about her faith, kindness, and care for Naomi. Over time, Boaz grew to love Ruth. Eventually, they married, and Boaz provided for both Ruth and Naomi, ensuring they never went without food again.
Ruth and Boaz had a son named Obed, who would become the father of Jesse. Through their family line, God would bring the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Ruth’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s faithful plan and provision. Just as God had a special purpose for Ruth, He has a special plan for you too!
DISCUSSION
What can we learn from Ruth’s choice to follow God despite growing up in a culture that worshiped false gods?
How can we show love and care for the people in our lives, especially during hard times?
What qualities should we look for and demonstrate in our relationships with others?
How does Ruth and Boaz’s story show that God can use anyone to fulfill His plans?
PRAY
Thank you God for the story of Ruth. Thank you for having a plan for my life just like you had for Ruth. Please help us to be kind and love others like you love us.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find an ornament that corresponds with today’s content - Ruth & Boaz. Then hang your twelfth ornament on the tree.
Family memories: As a family, make a list of kind things that you could do for others this Christmas.
Take a video of your kids answering the above questions and putting your 12th ornament on your Advent tree. Then, post your video to the group or tag @summitparkchurch!