‘Three journeys’ (Ruth 1:1-22)

Welcome to this series on the book of Ruth, a book that gives us hope in the face of despair and disappointment – just where the book’s first chapter (Ruth 1:1-22) takes us. It introdueces us to Naomi and to her husband Elimelech fleeing from their native Judah to the land of Moab along with their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, who eventually marry to Moabitess women, Orpah and Ruth. With Naomi intent now on returning to Judah, what is Ruth to do? And how will God begin to bring about good from the sadness and loss that she and Naomi knew?

Message

Radio service

00:00 Welcome
Song: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
00:19 Introduction
00:33 Prayer
06:17 Bible reading: Ruth 1
Song: My Worth Is Not In What I Own
10:29 Shorter Catechism Introduction
11:57 Catechism Questions 134-139
16:01 Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Song: My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness
Sermon: Ruth 1
Song: Be Still My Soul
18:05 Closing

Outline

• The book of Ruth
• Not just a Mothers’ Day text
• ‘In the days of the judges…’
• See how the text speaks of the journey…

  1. From Bethlehem to Moab (v.1-5)
  2. From Moab to the border (v.6-18)
  3. From the border to Bethlehem (v.19-22)

God’s frowning providence…
The blessings that come through pain and trial!