Ruth 1:3-15 – Home Is Where His Hesed Is

Naomi needs to find her way home, but she tries to keep Ruth from coming with her. Our text in this study is: Ruth 1:3-15 Series: The Gleaning Lady Gene Pensiero Jr Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/thegleaninglady Subscribe on YouTube at: https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford Read the notes at: https://calvaryhanford.substack.com Find audio, video, and text of hundreds of other studies through the Bible at https://calvaryhanford.com/ This study is part of our series on the book of Ruth. In this message, titled “Home Is Where His Hesed Is,” we explore the powerful themes of home, rest, and God’s faithfulness in Ruth 1:3-15. We begin with a relatable comparison between a house and a home, recognizing that a true home provides peace, provision, and rest for the soul. This sets the stage for the narrative of Naomi, a woman who has lost everything and must decide where to find a place of refuge and hope. In this study, we follow Naomi’s tragic journey, examining the consequences of Elimelech’s choice to leave Bethlehem and how it led their family into a difficult situation. We see how Naomi’s life choices and a series of devastating losses left her feeling bereaved and cut off. This section emphasizes the biblical truth that humans were created for community, friendship, and family, not isolation. Our life choices have consequences that impact those around us, and we are responsible for loving and supporting others. We also introduce Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes one of the most refreshing characters in the Old Testament. As the story unfolds, we see how the Lord, in His providence, sends a message of hope into Naomi’s darkness: the famine has ended, and He has visited His people with care and concern. The return journey to Judah is presented as a picture of repentance and turning back to God. The Bible often uses the metaphor of “taking a road” to represent the course of our lives. We are reminded of Jesus’ teaching about the two roads—one leading to destruction and the other to life. This message encourages anyone who has drifted away from God to simply repent and get back on the path that leads home to Him. We then dive into a difficult but crucial part of the text, where Naomi, in her bitterness and sorrow, tries to push Orpah and Ruth away. She tells them to go back to their own people and gods, revealing her deep hurt and lack of trust in God. This serves as a stark reminder that even when we are moving in the right direction, our own hurt and self-centeredness can cause us to miss opportunities to bless others. We see the contrast between Orpah, who returns to her people, and Ruth, who “clings” to Naomi with a deep commitment. This powerful word choice highlights Ruth’s loyalty and devotion. Ultimately, this Bible study points to Jesus Christ as the source of our true home and rest. Just as Ruth found a home in Bethlehem, Jesus invites us to make our home in Him. He is the God of hesed love, the only one who can give us rest for our souls. If you are seeking to study the Bible and understand what it means to truly trust in God, this message will be a great encouragement. This video is for anyone interested in Christianity, Jesus, and spirituality, especially those looking for solid Calvary Chapel teaching.