Session 10 (Study Day): Ruth and Jonah

Aims

By the end of this session you should be able to:

give an overview of the themes and structure of the books of Ruth and Jonah
give an account of how the main themes of the these two narrative books relate to your faith journey and ministry as well as that of the church as a whole.

Zoom Link, Programme & Preparation

In preparation ....

Ruth

Questions for Reflection

What personal qualities do you see in Naomi, Ruth, Orpah and Boaz and what characteristics helped them cope with the challenges each of them faced are these still universally helpful qualities?
The story of Ruth has caught people’s emotions and imagination over many centuries. Parts of it were quite subversive at the time it was written, but what is its message today for western women who are still struggling to live out patriarchal patterns of behaviour?
How would you use this story in a mixed group of Year 12 students (17 year olds)?

Jonah

Questions for Reflection

Underneath all the pantomime in the story, what do you learn from the relationship of God to Jonah and vice versa? Does this ring any bells?
What could be improved in Jonah’s attitude to the people of Nineveh? How would you plan an evangelistic project if God gave you one?

Spotlight on Doctrine

Thinking about the caricature story of Jonah, how is your understanding of God enlarged?

Spotlight on Spirituality

Naomi went into exile in a foreign and alien land with her husband and brought up her sons there. When all three men died Naomi returned to her own land , one daughter in Law stayed with her there (and became an alien) and the other returned to her own family. How does this story enlarge you understanding of the challenges of being a refugee or of being a host in an alien land?

Prayer

Blessed Lord who has caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.