This Advent message uses the theme of Hope to explore the Book of Ruth. The story begins in the despair of Naomi, who loses her husband and sons and returns to Bethlehem, bitter and empty. Her darkness is broken by the radical hope of her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, who pledges loyalty to Naomi and her God, Yahweh. Ruth’s commitment is the first thrilling sign of redemption. The sermon culminates by revealing that God used these two broken, destitute women to bring forth the lineage of King David and the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ, proving that God’s plan of hope is freely offered to all who are weary and in despair. Watch or listen on our website, Youtube, or your favorite podcast app!
Small Group Questions for the sermon: These questions are designed to move the group from summarizing the text to personal application and action.
- Examining Despair and Hope
The sermon defines a “thrill” as an intense, sudden feeling. Have you recently experienced a “thrill of hope,” or are you currently feeling “weary” like Naomi?
Naomi insisted on being called Mara, which means “bitter,” because she felt the Almighty had raised his fist against her. In what areas of life (grief, work, family) have you felt the closest to Naomi’s bitterness or despair?
The family left the “House of Bread” because there was a famine. What is one area of your life right now where you feel you are living in a “famine” (a profound lack or emptiness)? - Ruth’s Radical Choice
Ruth chose to leave everything familiar—her homeland, family, and gods—to follow Naomi and, most importantly, Yahweh. What is one “familiar” thing (a habit, an attitude, a relationship) that you feel God is asking you to let go of to follow him more fully?
The sermon compared Ruth’s choice to Jesus’ call in Matthew 16:24 to “deny himself and take up his cross.” What does “taking up your cross” look like practically in your life this Advent season?
Ruth’s decision was a flash of hope in Naomi’s darkest moment. How has the faithful commitment of another person brought a “thrill of hope” into your life? - The Ultimate Redeemer
The fact that God used a bitter Jew and a faithful Gentile (Moabite) to bring about the Messiah proves that God’s hope is for the “broken.” How does knowing that God uses imperfect, “broken” people (like Ruth and Naomi) give you hope for your own current circumstances?
Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” What specific burden would you like to lay down and exchange for his “rest” this week?
This Advent season is the beginning of the liturgical New Year. What is one practical way you can shift your focus from the “classic western calendar” pressures to a more Christ-focused anticipation and hope this month?