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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 23: June 1 - 7: "My Heart Rejoiceth in the Lord"

1-7 Ruth; 1 Samuel 1-7

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

Ruth’s decision to remain with Naomi demonstrates covenant loyalty rooted in faith rather than convenience (Ruth 1:16–17). Her choice shows that discipleship often requires sacrifice, and the Lord magnifies faithful decisions in ways we cannot immediately see. Through Ruth, the Lord preserved a covenant lineage that ultimately led to Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:13–17).

Ruth’s daily labor in the fields may have seemed small, but the Lord used her diligence and humility to bless her and others (Ruth 2:2–12). This teaches that consistent obedience in everyday life allows the Lord to accomplish His greater purposes. Faithfulness invites divine guidance and protection.

Hannah’s prayer reflects deep faith and trust in the Lord during prolonged suffering (1 Samuel 1:10–11). Though her sorrow was intense, she turned to God rather than away from Him. Her example teaches that heartfelt prayer invites divine compassion and understanding.

Hannah’s prayer was answered not only with the birth of Samuel but with lasting spiritual joy (1 Samuel 1:19–20, 27–28). Her willingness to keep her covenant with the Lord shows that answers to prayer are often connected to our faithfulness after receiving blessings. The Lord’s timing strengthens faith and refines trust.

As a young boy, Samuel learned to recognize the voice of the Lord through patience and guidance (1 Samuel 3:1–10). His experience teaches that revelation often comes gradually and requires spiritual attentiveness. The Lord speaks to those who humbly seek Him.

Samuel’s prophetic calling helped guide Israel during a time of spiritual transition (1 Samuel 7:3–6). Through revelation, the Lord strengthened His people and restored their commitment to Him. This shows that God’s guidance is meant to bless families, communities, and the Church as well as individuals.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • The books of Ruth and early 1 Samuel take place during the period of the judges, a time marked by political instability, spiritual inconsistency, and the absence of centralized leadership in Israel (see Ruth 1:1; Judges 21:25).

Israel frequently turned away from the Lord, resulting in cycles of apostasy and deliverance. Social structures were fragile, and survival often depended on family loyalty, covenant faithfulness, and reliance on God rather than institutions. Against this backdrop, Ruth, Hannah, and Samuel stand out as individuals who trusted the Lord despite widespread spiritual decline.

  • These narratives show how the Lord advances His purposes through faithful individuals even when society as a whole struggles spiritually. The rise of Samuel marks a turning point, transitioning Israel from the era of judges toward prophetic leadership and eventually kingship.
  • This matters to us now because it teaches that personal faithfulness can invite divine power even in difficult or uncertain times. The Lord is not limited by societal conditions—He works through willing hearts to bless future generations.
  • Ruth’s decision to remain with Naomi reflects ḥesed—steadfast covenant love—at a time when many Israelites neglected their covenants. Her faithfulness contrasts with the broader pattern of disobedience in Israel and demonstrates how loyalty to God and family invited divine protection and blessing (Ruth 1:16–17; 2:12).
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  • Ruth was a Moabite, a people historically viewed as outsiders to Israel. Her inclusion highlights that the Lord’s covenant blessings are extended to all who choose faith and obedience, regardless of background.
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  • The law of gleaning (Ruth 2; Leviticus 19:9–10) shows how the Lord provided for the vulnerable through covenant laws. Ruth’s story illustrates how obedience to these laws created space for mercy, dignity, and redemption.
  • Samuel’s calling occurred during a time when “the word of the Lord was precious” (1 Samuel 3:1), meaning revelation was rare due to widespread spiritual neglect. Samuel’s emergence as a prophet restored communication between God and His people and prepared Israel for major political and spiritual change.
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  • Eli’s declining leadership and his sons’ corruption demonstrate how priesthood authority without righteousness leads to spiritual decay (1 Samuel 2:12–17). Samuel’s faithfulness highlights the Lord’s pattern of raising new leaders when existing ones fail.
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  • Samuel functioned as prophet, judge, and spiritual reformer (1 Samuel 7:3–6). His leadership shows that revelation is not only personal but foundational for guiding the Lord’s people collectively—a principle that remains central to the Church today

23 Revelation for the Church, R…

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “Ruth was created later to teach kindness and loyalty rather than record actual events.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: Ruth is set in a clearly identifiable historical period—the time of the judges—and includes concrete cultural practices such as gleaning and levirate marriage (Ruth 1:1; 2:2–3; 4:1–10). These customs are well-attested in ancient Israelite law, suggesting historical grounding rather than symbolic fiction.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: The narrative preserves detailed genealogies, culminating in King David (Ruth 4:17–22), which functioned as historical records in ancient Israel. Such genealogies were not typically attached to purely symbolic stories.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: Ruth’s inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5) affirms her historical and covenantal significance. Scripture consistently treats Ruth as a real person whose faith had enduring spiritual consequences.
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  10. Logical Analysis: If the account were merely a moral fable, its inclusion of legal proceedings, named locations, and family records would be unnecessary. The text reads as preserved family history, not abstract moral literature.
  • Claim: “The birth of Samuel is a literary device meant to justify his later authority.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Infertility and childbearing prayers are recurring, historically consistent themes in the Old Testament (compare Sarah and Rebekah). Hannah’s experience fits this established pattern of divine involvement in covenant history (1 Samuel 1:10–20).
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  • Eyewitness Support: The account includes specific dialogue, locations, and actions involving Eli the priest, a historically grounded figure. These details suggest remembrance of real events rather than invented legend.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Hannah’s psalm (1 Samuel 2:1–10) reflects deeply personal gratitude and theological insight that resonates with authentic worship, not propaganda. Her lifelong covenant faithfulness reinforces the sincerity of her experience.
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  • Logical Analysis: Inventing a story that highlights priestly misunderstanding (Eli initially rebuking Hannah) weakens institutional authority rather than strengthens it. This realism supports authenticity rather than fabrication.
  • Claim: “The vision narrative was added later to legitimize prophetic leadership.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The text situates Samuel’s calling during a time when revelation was rare, reflecting a believable historical decline rather than idealized spirituality (1 Samuel 3:1). This context supports authenticity.
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  • Eyewitness Support: The narrative includes Eli’s role in helping Samuel recognize the Lord’s voice, indicating communal awareness of the experience rather than a private, unverifiable claim.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Samuel’s prophetic ministry consistently proved reliable over time: “The Lord… did let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 3:19). Continued fulfillment strengthens the credibility of his calling.
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  • Logical Analysis: A fabricated revelation story would likely portray flawless leadership from the start. Instead, Samuel must learn, hesitate, and grow—hallmarks of genuine spiritual experience.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Identify one relationship or responsibility where you can choose loyalty, kindness, or commitment this week—even when it feels inconvenient.

Ruth’s example shows that covenant faithfulness invites the Lord’s guidance and long-term blessings, even when immediate outcomes are unclear. Choosing faithfulness builds spiritual resilience and trust in God’s unseen purposes.

  1. – Reflect on a situation where walking away would be easier than staying faithful.
  2. – Pray for strength to act with integrity and love.
  3. – Take one concrete step that reflects loyalty or goodness (service, patience, follow-through).
  4. – Trust the Lord with the results rather than demanding immediate rewards.

Encouraging Thought:

“The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee” (Ruth 2:12). God sees faithful choices, even quiet ones.

Action Step: Set aside private time to pray specifically about something that weighs heavily on your heart, just as Hannah did.

Hannah’s story teaches that God welcomes sincere, emotional prayer and understands unspoken pain. Prayer does not just change circumstances—it brings peace, clarity, and trust in God’s timing.

  1. – Choose a quiet place where you can pray without distraction.
  2. – Speak honestly to the Lord about your feelings, hopes, and fears.
  3. – Listen quietly after praying, allowing space for comfort or insight.
  4. – Act in faith afterward, trusting God regardless of how quickly answers come.

Encouraging Thought:

“For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition” (1 Samuel 1:27). God hears prayers offered with faith and humility.

  • Action Step: Practice responding to spiritual impressions with the willingness to say, “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.”

Samuel learned that revelation often comes quietly and requires patience and attentiveness. Learning to recognize the Lord’s voice strengthens decision-making and builds confidence in spiritual guidance.

  1. – Create regular moments of stillness (scripture study, prayer, reflection).
  2. – Pay attention to recurring thoughts or feelings that invite goodness.
  3. – Seek guidance from trusted leaders or parents when unsure.
  4. – Act on promptings and observe the spiritual fruits that follow.

Encouraging Thought:

  • “The Lord revealed himself to Samuel… by the word of the Lord” (1 Samuel 3:21). God still speaks to those who are willing to listen.

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners recognize the power of covenant loyalty and faithful choices.

Scriptures, paper, pens or pencils

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Invite learners to think of a time when it would have been easier to walk away from something good. Without sharing details, ask them to write one word that describes how that felt.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Ruth 1:16–17 together. Discuss what Ruth risked by staying with Naomi and what her words reveal about her faith and commitment.
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  5. Application (5 min): Ask learners to identify one situation where they can choose faithfulness this week—at home, school, or church. Invite a few to share generally (without personal details).

Follow-Up Question: How might our small, faithful choices today shape blessings we don’t yet see?

Objective: Encourage honest, sincere prayer as a source of strength and peace.

Scriptures, small slips of paper

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Ask: “Why is it sometimes hard to pray when we’re hurting?” Allow brief responses.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read 1 Samuel 1:10–15. Discuss how Hannah prayed and what we learn about God’s willingness to hear sincere, emotional prayers.

Application (5 min): Invite learners to silently write something they could take to the Lord in prayer (they keep it). Encourage them to pray privately later, following Hannah’s example.

Follow-Up Question: What does Hannah’s experience teach us about how God views sincere prayer?

Objective: Help learners understand how to recognize and respond to personal revelation.

Scriptures, whiteboard or paper

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Ask learners to imagine hearing their name called at night—how would they know who it was? Briefly discuss.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read 1 Samuel 3:4–10. Discuss why Samuel didn’t recognize the Lord’s voice at first and how Eli helped him learn.

Application (5 min): Brainstorm together ways the Lord might speak today (thoughts, feelings, scriptures, trusted counsel). Encourage learners to listen and act this week.

Follow-Up Question: What helps us become better listeners to the Lord in our daily lives?

QUICK REFERENCE

God accomplishes His purposes even while allowing human weakness and imperfect leadership
 (1 Samuel 2:12–17; 3:11–14; 7:3–6)

  • Why trust modern prophets?
  • The Lord has always guided His people through prophets, even when revelation was “rare” (1 Samuel 3:1). Samuel’s calling shows that God restores prophetic guidance when people are willing to hear Him. Modern prophets follow this same biblical pattern: called by God, sustained by revelation, and confirmed over time by spiritual fruits.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
  • Scripture openly acknowledges imperfect leaders (Eli and his sons) while showing that God’s work continues forward. God honors agency and growth rather than removing all human weakness. Mistakes do not invalidate divine authority—they highlight God’s patience and His power to work through imperfect people.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families (Old Testament: Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–7)

Gospel Topics: Revelation (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)