Sabbath: Ruth and Esther
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 7th of June 2025
Image © Pacific Press
Read for This Week’s Study: Ruth 1:1-5; Ruth 2:5-20; Job 1:6-11; Matthew 4:8-9; Esther 3:1-14; Revelation 12:14-17.
Memory Text:
“So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter” (Esther 5:2, NKJV).
This week we continue to explore stories that prefigure last-day events. By using real-life events and people, God helps us to see things from His perspective and helps us understand how to interpret the prophecies that come later, which are given to help strengthen our faith.
Our attention turns to two important women whose stories have touched the hearts of countless generations: Ruth and Esther. One is a dispossessed widow who finds hope after meeting the kindly Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. Their marriage has become a favorite love story for Christians because of the way it reflects Christ’s love for us. The other is a young girl living in a foreign land who becomes aware of a plot to destroy her people and finds herself thrust onto the main stage in the drama that unfolds to save them.
In prophecy, of course, a woman is a powerful symbol for God’s church, shedding much light on how God regards His people. Let’s look at the biblical accounts of these two women, whose life circumstances have been immortalized in the Word of God, and seek to draw whatever lessons we can from their experiences.
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, June 14.
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One thing that I greatly admire among the two women, Ruth and Esther is that both made great personal sacrifice for others. Ruth left her people and country for Naomi’s God and people (Ruth 1:16). Also, Esther risked her life to save her people (Esther 4:16). These women had an element of Jesus Christ in them. Jesus also sacrificed His life for others, us! Believers who shall withstand the end-time challenges are those who will be willing to make serious sacrifices for the sake of eternal life.
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. … Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” (Revelation 2:10, NIV)
This is so true. Christianity requires making sacrificial choices.