December 20, 2023 - Ruth 1:19-22

Yes, just four verses, this morning, a very short reading.  And the narrative is very straightforward:  Naomi and Ruth leave Moab and travel to Bethlehem.  As I read these verses, though, several thoughts and applications come to mind, all of which might or might not have been intended by the original telling of the story; however, they are my thoughts, and they seem right, and here they are.

Naomi and Ruth traveled as a twosome.  They were not alone.  They would be helping each other along the way.  One of the most pitiful statements we might hear from someone would be, “I don’t need anyone else.”  Of course, we need others.  And, then, I see that Naomi did not try to sugarcoat her situation; she openly declared her dire and sorrowful predicament, even acknowledging God’s hand in it all.  When things are bad, when God seems to have failed us, the rest of this little story reminds us that God continues to be at work bringing about his good and perfect will for his people.  Remember Romans 8:28?  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  Furthermore, notice that, though the Lord had brought the two women back “empty,” it was the beginning of the barley harvest!  Empty, now, but Naomi and Ruth are about to see their lives filled to overflowing with good fortune.  God’s timing is always perfect.  What a testimony to God’s goodness and faithfulness is this story of Ruth!

The Lord is strong to help the weak,

Upholding those that fall,

Restoring those bowed down with grief,

And doing good to all.

The hope of those that fear His Name

The Lord will satisfy;

Their mighty Savior He will be

When unto Him they cry.   –Lowell Mason (1912)