The Dawn of Hope Ruth 2 Jeremy Bell *In chapter 1 we see the kindness of Ruth as she leaves her family and her country to care for her mother in law. *In chapter 2 we see the kindness of Boaz as he welcomes Ruth, and acts as a redeemer to her. *In these acts of incredible love, we see the character of God reflected in these acts of kindness. >Reaching out to those in distress >Offering help and grace to those in need *The actions of Ruth and Boaz are a reflection of the God that they love. Application: 1. The Lord rewards those who take refuge in Him 2. As you have received mercy, show mercy Questions for Discussion/Application: *Consider taking time to read Ruth 2 out loud. What initial insights or observations of the text do you have? What encourages you about this story? *We see in this story that the Lord rewards those who take refuge in the Him. What Psalms can you think of that encourage us to find our refuge in the Lord? How does the principle that the Lord rewards those who take refuge in Him encourage you? *RC Sproul wrote, “Faith involves trusting in the future promises of God and waiting for their fulfillment.” What does it look like practically for us to be those who truly trust in the future promises of God? *Biblically, mercy=rescue. How is Boaz in this story a reflection of the mercy of God? How can we model the example of Boaz in this story? *Spurgeon said, “God’s mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the sea of its water, or deprive the sun of its light, or make space too narrow, than diminish the great mercy of God… *Everything God does to you is done in mercy and truth.” Take time to talk about the mercy of God. How has God shown mercy to us in the gospel? How can contemplating the mercy of God help us to show mercy to others? *Consider taking time to pray asking God to help us to take refuge in Him and show mercy to others.