This is All Your Fault, God!Ruth 1:1-22

Introduction

Who is in charge of this production?

Introduction

• What do you say to FRIENDS when things are not going according to your plans?

• Who is to BLAME for this?

• What do you say to GOD?

The Show Begins

• As the curtain rises, the DRAMA unfolds (1:1-5).– The stage is set with a series of

UNFORTUNATE events.– The characters are engaged in CONFLICT.– The outcome seems HOPELESS.– The stage is set for DISASTER.

What does your stage look like right now?

The Plot Thickens

• Scene 1: Good-byes at the Rest Area (1:6-18)– Naomi tried to FIRE her daughters-in-law.– Ruth was COMMITTED to Naomi and would

not leave the set. – NAOMI finally gave up and continued on to

BETHLEHEM.

What GIFTS are you ready to pitch out, discard, or trash?

FaithMarriage

Job

Church Life

The Tension Mounts

• Scene 2: Safely at Home (1:19-22)– Naomi spills her story and exposes her

BITTER heart.– Naomi lays BLAME on God.

Are you BITTER with God right now?

The Tension Mounts

• Scene 2: Safely at Home (1:19-22)– Naomi spills her story and exposes her

BITTER heart.– Naomi lays BLAME on God.– The ladies arrived home JUST-IN-TIME for

the harvest.

Are you eagerly ANTICIPATING what God will do next?

Conclusion

You need a fresh dose (or appreciation) of God’s GRACE

I BLAME YOU! I PRAISE YOU!I TRUST YOU!BITTER BETTER