Introduction
Hudson Taylor, a young man from England, was aboard a ship sailing to China as a missionary. He had been preparing for years, and was eager to share the hope of Christ with those who had never heard it. However, part-way through the voyage, the ship on which he was travelling was becalmed near some islands of cannibals. It became apparent that unless there was a wind quickly, the tide would draw them onto the reefs and into the power of the natives. Rather than give up hope, Taylor asked the other Christians on board to join him in prayer for the needed wind to preserve their lives. After a short while, he went on deck and found the first officer who was hardened against God. Urgently Taylor recommended that the mainsail be put down because a breeze was coming up in answer to prayer. At first the first officer sneered, but soon he realized his mistake as he saw the other sails begin to tremble. There was barely time to put everything in readiness before a stiff wind was blowing which drew them to safety. In the story of Ruth there is another example of this kind of faith that trusts so definitely in God’s plan that it prepares for it. Naomi knew that God had provided for widows through family redeemers, so she made plans to prepare for God’s provision. Read more about Naomi’s faith and how God often works through the plans of His people in Ruth 3:1-5.
Observation
Pray
Before opening this passage and trying to understand what God says through it, pray and ask God to open your eyes to the wonderful truths in it.
Read Focus Verses
Read Ruth 3:1-5 and see how the plot of the story begins to take a new turn.
Who?
Who is the ‘daughter’ in verse 1? (hint: look back in chapter 2 if you can’t remember)
Naomi’s Intention
What does Naomi say she wants for Ruth in verse 1?
When?
When was Ruth with the maidens of Boaz referred to in verse 2?
Relationship
What does Naomi mention about Boaz in verse 2?
Out Tonight
What did Naomi say that Boaz would be out doing later that night?
Where?
Where would Boaz be winnowing his barley?
Preparations
What preparations is Ruth instructed to make in the first part of verse 3?
Warning
What was Ruth not to do at the end of verse 3?
A Plan
In verse 4, what does Naomi tell Ruth to do?
Ruth’s Response
What is Ruth’s response to Naomi’s instructions?
Interpretation
Threshing Video
Before it could be used, grain had to be threshed and winnowed. Threshing is the process by which the grain is broken off of the stalk on which it grew. This video explains a little more about threshing.
Threshing Image
Threshing was often done by animals walking across the harvested grain to break the seeds free and to split the chaff covering the grain as you see in this image.
Click To Visit WebsiteThreshing Floor
Here you can see a picture of one style of threshing floor when it is not in use.
Click To Visit WebsiteWinnowing Video
After the grain is threshed, it must be winnowed to remove the chaff from the grain. Because the chaff is so light, it will blow away. So the mixture of grain and chaff is thrown into the breeze so that the grain will fall into a pile and the chaff will blow off. You can see a basic example in this video.
Winnowing Image
In this image, you can clearly see the grain and chaff separating.
Click To Visit WebsiteThe Kinsman Redeemer
In order to understand Naomi’s instructions, it is important to familiarize ourselves with the Law of the kinsman redeemer. One part of this law is summarized in Luke 20:28
Further Explanation
Read more about this aspect of a kinsman redeemer’s role in Deuteronomy 25:5-10.
In Your Own Words
In your own words, what was the responsibility of a man to his brother’s widow if she had not had sons?
Significance
In Old Testament Israel, God had given each family a plot of land which was their inheritance in the Land of Promise. It was to be passed from generation to generation to keep alive the family name. How would you explain to someone the reason why a man was to marry his brother’s widow, if she had not had sons, to keep his brother’s lineage alive?
Ruth and the Kinsman Redeemer
How does this aspect of the law of the kinsman redeemer apply to Ruth?
Naomi’s Plan
Naomi knew God’s provision for widows through the law of the kinsman redeemer. What was her plan so that she could prepare her situation for God’s plan to come to pass?
Popular Ideas
How does this compare to the popular idea “Let go, and let God”?
Ruth’s Part
How did Naomi have Ruth try to make doing the right thing as easy as possible for Boaz?
Making Plans
James 4:13-16 talks about making plans.
Summarize
How would you summarize the message of James 4:13-16 in your own words?
Action Plan
Based on what you have seen from Naomi’s example and James’ admonition, should a Christian make plans? Why or why not?
Honor
Exodus 20:12 commands children to honor their parents, and then promises blessing to those who do.
Blessing through Submission
How does Exodus 20:12 relate to the story of Ruth?
Application
Making Plans
God often works through the plans of His people. What is a situation you are in where you see that something needs to be done? How can you prepare yourself and your situation as best you can to be ready for God’s blessing?
Holding them Loosely
What are some ways you can work on planning things “if the Lord wills,” and holding your plans loosely so that you will be pleased when His will is done even if it is different from yours?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has helped you understand how God often works through the plans of His people and has inspired you to pray, plan, and trust.
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