Ruth
$25.99
Introduction
1. A Dialogue Of Determination
2. Terms Of Endearment
3. A Cloaked Covenant
4. A Dialogue Of Identity
Conclusion
Additional Info
from the Introduction:
Described by Goethe as “the most charming little whole” of antiquity, Ruth has long been recognized for its literary quality. This beautifully composed narrative continues to attract readers across generations and boundaries of gender, class and ethnicity. In fact, the beauty of the book often distracts from the practical nature of the narrative. For all of its appeal, Ruth is, after all a story about family and survival. The marriage between Ruth and Boaz is a levirate marriage. The goal of this practice is to ensure the continuation and stability of the family line. Thus this “charming little whole” has as its subject preservation of life in the face of death and upholding memory to ward off the loss of identity.
This story of survival is short; it consists of four chapters with elements of loss and recovery; famine and harvest, barrenness and fruitfulness, life and death. These elements afford the book a broad appeal as it speaks to various stages and seasons of life, all the while upholding the power of faithfulness against an ever-changing backdrop. Named after one of the major characters, the book of Ruth tells the story of Naomi of Bethlehem and her family “in the days when the judges ruled.”
…So much of what happens in Ruth happens where no one can see. Ruth binds herself to Naomi in the “in between place” of Moab and Judah. No one is there to witness it. Similarly, Ruth asks Boaz for redemption in the middle of the night when we presume everyone else is asleep. These events allow for the inclusion of Ruth as Boaz’s people, first as a gleaner and then as a wife. The pattern of what happens away from our observation and then bursts forth where we can see it draws on the images of planting and harvest, conception and birth. On a theological level, it suggests that even in the famine times, God is planting seed, preparing for the next harvest, even when we cannot see it. We must assume then, that whatever we know or recognize about the work of God is only a small piece of the larger whole. We cannot know it all.
in stock within 3-5 days of online purchase
SKU (ISBN): 9781426746253
ISBN10: 1426746253
Judy Fentress-Williams
Binding: Trade Paper
Published: June 2012
Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Print On Demand Product
Related products
-
Life Lessons From Philippians
$12.99Add to cartAn unexpected bill. An upcoming doctor’s appointment. A tense family visit. The list could go on. Every day struggles of all sizes creep into our lives, leaving us stressed. Frustrated. Anxious. Just plain miserable. The believers in Philippi were struggling. They were trying to grow in faith and live for Christ. Trying to deal with conflict and threats of persecution. The apostle Paul was stuck in a Roman prison when he wrote to this young church. His letter could have focused on his own troubles. Instead he wrote about living a life full of joy, peace, and contentment. He reminds us of important biblical truths and points us to Jesus as the ultimate example. Paul’s letter encourages. It inspires. His confidence reminds us of God’s wisdom and control in the difficult moments of life. His excitement challenges us in this guide to joy.
The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God’s Word. Each lesson in this updated edition of the bestselling series includes an opening reflection, a description of the context in which the passage was written, an excerpt of the text (from the New International and New King James versions), exploration and reflection questions on the passage, inspirational thoughts on the theme from Max Lucado, and a closing Life Lessons takeaway and personal devotion.
The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study.
-
Magic Of Motherhood
$19.99Add to cartThe ups and downs and joys and struggles of motherhood are not for the faint of heart. No matter where you are in your journey, find a new strength, beauty, and sisterhood you never truly believed possible in The Magic of Motherhood, a beautiful and encouraging book written for an imperfect, trying-her-best mom just like you. Motherhood can feel overwhelming. You hope you’re doing the very best you can for your child, but life with little ones can leave you feeling isolated and unsure. You find your feelings swinging between joy and uncertainty, intense love and anxiety, laughter and tears. The old adage is true: the days are long and the years are short. But how do you make the most of all the hours in between? The Magic of Motherhood celebrates your life-the good stuff, the hard stuff, and everything in between. Full of encouragement, humor, and wisdom that will speak to you right where you are, The Magic of Motherhood is like a long-overdue coffee date with your best girlfriend, the one who can look at you and say, “I see you, girl. You’re doing a great job. You got this, mama.” From the writers behind the popular blog Coffee + Crumbs comes a beautiful new book to remind you of your identity, both as a woman and as a mother. The encouraging essays in The Magic of Motherhood will inspire and refresh you, and flipping through the pages will remind you of some of the universal experiences of motherhood-joy, love, the good and bad kinds of heartache, and plenty of laughter. Through the beautiful words and inspiring messages in The Magic of Motherhood, be reminded of your own story and the sisterhood of motherhood that surrounds you and supports you. The moments of calm and chaos, beauty and mess, that happen between your coffee and crumbs are worth reflecting on and valuing.
-
Grief Observed
$17.99Add to cartWritten by C. S. Lewis with love and humility, this brief but poignant volume was first published in 1961 and courageously encounters the anger and heart-break that followed the death of his wife, an American-born poet, Joy Davidman. Handwritten entries from notebooks that Lewis found in his home capture the doubt and anguish that we all face in times of great loss. He questions his beliefs in this graceful and poignant affirmation of faith in the face of senseless loss.
-
Resilient Study Guide Plus Streaming Video (Student/Study Guide)
$21.99Add to cartThe human soul has a built-in yearning for joy and beauty and all good things. But that craving for life has taken a real beating in recent years. Between false promises of ease and comfort on one side and the sheer trauma of global disease and disasters on the other, people today are facing a shortage of peace, happiness and strength.
In the Resilient video Bible study, bestselling author John Eldredge provides skills and tools to help participants strengthen their hearts and souls–and reveals a path toward genuine recovery and resilience provided by Jesus himself. Drawing on wisdom from scripture and Christian tradition, and illustrated throughout with powerful true stories of grit and survival, Resilient will help participants:
*Recover from the trauma of recent world events and tap into the supernatural graces that God promises
*Learn to be patient with themselves–genuine recovery from spiritual and emotional trauma takes time and intentionality
*Create a plan–because resilience and victory aren’t going to come with a swipe on a home screen
*Discover deep wells of freedom and strength through Christ, who lives within us
Thriving requires a resilient soul. This study will help participants find the resilience they need when the world has gone mad–and discover in Jesus himself the strength that prevails.
This study guide includes:
*Individual access to streaming video sessions
*A guide to best practices for leading a group
*Video notes and a comprehensive structure for group discussion time
*Personal study for deeper reflection between sessionsDesigned for use with Resilient Video Study, (sold separately).
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.