March 2023

I believe the Bible is not so much a book of rules we must follow as much as a book full of lessons that help us live the way god intends us to. The Old testament Book of Ruth is short, only four chapters long but it has several lessons in it we need to learn.

           For Naomi, her world was falling apart. She lost her husband and two sons. She saw no foreseeable future, so she started to travel back to her hometown. Knowing the outcome of the story we can see that sometimes God will move us away from the places and people that are causing us trouble not as a punishment but as a way for us to move on from the trouble. We should always have hope in times of trouble.

           Ruth also lost her husband and was at a loss as to her own future. When Naomi decided to go back home Ruth left her extended family and went with her. Even in our own times of trouble we should not ignore others troubles and pain. It may not always be easy but we must be supportive of others even as we heal from our own loss.

           Later in the story Ruth found favor with Boaz, he told his servants to leave grain for her, blessing her. Sometimes when we are being blessed, we can start to relax in our efforts. As Ruth came to see her blessing, she could have said “I collected enough grain yesterday, I’m staying home today.” We see that Ruth never slacked in her duties. Like Ruth we should act with integrity, do what is right because it is right.

           Ruth was also a woman of faith. She told Naomi “Your God will be my God.” Ruth came to believe her decision to follow Naomi was what he wanted. How true this turned out for her blessing lay on that path. We may not be able to see how at the time, but following God always leads to blessings, it always leads to eternity in heaven.

           Ruth went on to marry Boaz and they had a son; Obed, who is direct lineage to Christ. Ruth could have no idea who her descendant would be. We may live a life dedicated to God, and we may never see the fruits of that life. Do not get discouraged in living for God for it will bless you with heaven. I believe living out our Christian ideals will reach others for God, even if we don’t see it.

Pastor Jim