Intro Study: Faithfulness in Foreign Lands
(Leader - read this out loud)
This fall/year, we are going to be exploring one central theme across several books in the Old Testament. We will meditate on and explore the stories of Ruth, Daniel & Habakkuk. Though these books are very different in tone, style, and even purpose, across all of them there is an interconnected theme of faithfulness.
Ruth is a Moabite widow living in Israel who puts her trust in the God of her mother-in-law despite the death of her husband;
Daniel is a young man taken from his home and forced to live in the royal courts of his captors, yet he remains faithful to God in the face of great resistance;
Habakkuk is a prophet overwhelmed by the sin of his people, but proclaims that he will worship God even though his homeland has become barren.
In their own way, each of these figures becomes or remains faithful to God despite what is going on in their present situations. They act boldly, trusting (and sometimes struggling to see how) God is at work right where they are.
But these books aren’t just about faithful men and women; they are, more importantly, about the faithfulness of God despite our unfaithfulness. In these books, we see God at work in the most challenging of moments.
God acts overtly, telling Habakkuk exactly what he will do to the unjust amongst him.
God intercedes in miraculous ways, saving Daniel and his friends from many perils.
And God’s invisible hand is moving behind the scenes to bring redemption for Ruth and Israel
These books are an exploration of God’s faithfulness when it feels like everything is falling apart, when we feel far from the places we call home, and when we don’t understand how God is still with us.
They are an invitation to be faithful to the God who is always faithful, wherever we are, and whatever our situation is.
Before we dive into our first book, let’s take some time to reflect on our own thoughts and experiences of faithfulness — both God’s and ours.
Questions for Reflection
When you hear the word faithfulness, what comes to mind? How would you define it?
Can you think of a season in your life when it was especially difficult to remain faithful to God? What made it difficult?
Looking back, can you identify a time when you experienced God's faithfulness even if you didn't recognize it in the moment?
In this season of life, what does faithfulness to God look like?
In this season of life, where do you feel you need to see or experience God’s faithfulness and provision?
