March 15, 2026 - Ruth 1

The story of Ruth relates a time of great famine in Judah from which a man and his wife, Naomi, and their two sons fled into the land of Moab.  Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died as did her sons leaving her widowed and without family except for her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth.  What a sad beginning to a story, one that ends with great blessing and joy. This scenario plays out time and time again in the Scriptures starting with the terrible beginning of our first parents, Adam and Eve, and their sin and deaths but ending with the promised Messiah.  The painful time in Egypt for Israel but with the people free and making their way to the Promised Land.  Job losing everything but in the end doubly blessed.  I am reminded of David’s words:  “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5).  And, of course, Paul’s reminder: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).  We must trust God, knowing that “they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). 

Naomi said to the women of Bethlehem, when she returned, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.  I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” (1:20-21).  What a tragic beginning for Naomi and Ruth!  But the whole story is not yet told.

Tho’ the night be dark and dreary,

Tho’ the way be long and weary,

Morn shall bring thee light and cheer;

Child, look up, the dawn is near.

There’ll be joy by and by,

There’ll be joy by and by;

In the dawning of the morning,

There’ll be joy by and by.   -- Mrs. E. C. Ellsworth (1877)