“Not dying is the terminal thing.” In this episode, we continue our exploration of blessing. Here’s the text we’re ruminating on: “And he said, ‘May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich’” (Ruth 3:10). Thank you for making this journey with us, and take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we’ll cover together.

The music for this episode was written and produced by Jack Baumgartner.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Blessings

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We consider the power of personal blessing on today’s episode. Perhaps you’ve never been blessed before, or maybe you would like to bless someone, but how do you do it? What does it mean? 

Ruth's story is set against a backdrop of generational curses. Boaz's blessing to Ruth signifies her worthiness and connection to God. Blessings in the Bible often come with intentionality and purpose. Ruth is unique as the only woman blessed by another person in the Old Testament in the name of the Lord. 

You will discover that the act of blessing is a powerful spiritual dynamic, because words carry energy and intention, especially in the context of blessings. The authority to bless comes from being in community and relationship with God. Keep in mind, blessings can have a profound impact on those who are wounded or suffering. Finally, art and language can convey blessings and carry deeper meanings--and the connection between blessings and creation is significant in understanding their power.Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of Ruth

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Each dialogue we have about the book of Ruth seems even more important than the last. Our passage reads, “Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! He said, ‘Who are you?’ And she answered, ‘I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.’” (Ruth 3:7b-9). In this passage, Boaz and Ruth are at their most intimate. This eternal moment in time helps us to uncover redemption in the day-to-day of our lives. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. As usual, the music in this episode was written and recorded by Jack Baumgartner.

Chapters

00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction

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“God was there first.” The fellas dig deep into this crucial theme of the book of Ruth. We examine Ruth and Boaz at the threshing floor in 3:6-7a—considering both the moral implications and cultural context. We explore the meaning of the grain heap, how to interpret Scripture, the thread of redemption, intimacy, and the nature of goodness itself. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. The music for this episode was written and recorded by Jack Baumgartner.

Chapters

00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction to Ruth

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Here is the poem Sam Kee wrote and read for episode 19 “Non-Dual Polarities.” The poem is based on Ruth 2-3.

Forbidden Places

She dared to breach the vanguards

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As we head to the threshing floor, we discuss the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God. We uncover (no pun intended, Ruth) some of the risky and risqué behaviors our heroine is planning in order to secure a marriage proposal—and ultimately save the world. We end up calling these paradoxes ‘non-dual polarities’ and invite you to wrestle with them as we did. Along the way, Sam reads his poem ‘Forbidden Places.’ Take a look at the chapter titles below to see the ground we cover. As usual, the wonderful music in this episode was written and played by Jack Baumgartner.

Chapters

00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction

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We have arrived at a turning point for Naomi—she who was empty and bitter is being filled. But how? Today, we talk about the miracle of favor and acceptance. Along the way, Jack describes the agricultural processes of threshing and roasting grain. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. The music in this episode was written and played by Jack Baumgartner.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Prayer

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We continue our journey through the book of Ruth. Take a look below at the chapter headings to see the ground we cover. Make some time to sketch, write, compose, bake, or build, as you listen to this episode—and then send us what you created (through Instagram or email)!

The music in this episode was written and performed by Jack Baumgartner. Mail all Baby Ruth candy bars to New Boaz Farm in Kansas.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Prayer

On episode 16, we played a song that Jack wrote in response to our series on the book of Ruth. Here is a recording of his song and its lyrics. We’ve also included a picture of Jack playing the song on his harmonium.

“Ruth and Boaz”

by Jack Baumgartner

daughter of my dreaming

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Brokenness and bitterness give way to fruit—the harvest. We continue our journey through the book of Ruth with a discussion of chapter 2. Take a look at the headings below to see the ground we cover. Jack plays a very moving new song he wrote this week for the episode.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Prayer

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