5/26 Boaz's Kindness

The Piano Guys video from this morning: "What Makes You Beautiful?" 

IN A NUTSHELL: Extending gratitude and kindness toward others in the midst of personal suffering is Godly… Christ-like… redeeming.  The heart of a redeemer knows rejection but seeks to give themselves to deliver and defend the needy anyway.  Boaz was to Ruth and Naomi what Jesus is to us – a “kinsman redeemer!”

ICE BREAKER: Can you recall a time that something was taken from you because of some type of misfortune and you were powerless to do anything about it?  How did that affect you emotionally?  Physically? Spiritually?  How did you seek out support?

 TEXT: De. 25:5-10; Ruth (especially 4:1-12); Gen. 29 & 38; Heb. 2:10-15

CONNECTING WITH THE TEXTS:

1. In what different ways might Boaz’s actions toward Ruth & Naomi be viewed as extraordinarily kind?  Ruth 2:4-40; 3:11-17
2. What was the Old Testament directive and significance regarding “kinsman redeemer?” De. 25:5-10
3. Why did the next of kin reject being the kinsman redeemer? Ruth 4:6
4. Why is it significant that the elders pointed to the families of Rachel & Leah and Tamar as models for God’s blessing on Boaz and Ruth’s family?  Genesis 29 & 38
5. In what way is Jesus like our kinsman-redeemer? He. 2:10-15

REFLECTING ON YOUR LIFE:

1. Why is it so hard for wealthy people to enter into the Kingdom? (consider Matt. 19:23-26)
2. How might a blended family or an individual from a traumatized family find hope in the story of Ruth & Boaz?
3.  Which is more important to you; securing an earthly inheritance or fulfilling a heavenly purpose?
4. What types of Acts of Kindness does Ruth inspire you to consider?

 CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH:

1. What kind of lesson in grace might Christians learn from Ruth 4:11-12
2. What kind of acts of kindness might the story of Ruth inspire you to consider toward others in your CARE group, our church, our neighborhood?

CARE Sheet Resources: 

• What is a Kinsman Redeemer?
• What is “Servant Evangelism”:
• Can kindness really be selfish?
• 2013 Good News That Works:
• Amazing what can be done with an instrument... are you willing? (The Piano Guys)

 NEXT WEEK:

Title: “Good News That Works” Text:  Leviticus 18:1-15 Question: How did God view sins that were committed unintentionally?  How can we help our children understand the concept of “consequences?”