TO GO OR STAY. Ruth 1:1-2 Whether we realize it or not, a time of famine is also a time of harvest. Even when life's circumstances seem more than we can bear, "Seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." It may be during difficult times that we experience our greatest spiritual growth. Often, in the challenges that befall people, they are inclined to turn to God. The harvest season is still ongoing in this world despite the indifferent and careless attitude toward God and the Bible in privileged places. Our responsibility is to discipline ourselves "in times of famine" and stay committed to God, His people, and the lost souls around us.
Elimelech and his family were “sojourners.” Sojourners are often social outcasts when they first arrive in a foreign place. They are tolerated but not fully accepted and cannot expect protection because they are outsiders. After being in Moab for ten years, Elimelech’s family was accepted to the point that their two sons married Moabite women. The family had settled comfortably into Moabite society and, perhaps, into a religion that left God out.
There isn't much drama in the book of Ruth, like obvious miracles happening or battles being fought and won. The people the Spirit of God uses to teach us some of life's important lessons are folks like us who live day to day with little excitement. A family faces the consequences of a bad decision made by the father. This happens to people like us. Death comes in and leaves grieving widows who wonder what to do next. Because we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior doesn’t make us immune to the inevitable "last enemy." But when a young man, woman, or child dies, we tend to think God has been unfair to us. We believe this shouldn’t happen to a young person. And when someone who has enjoyed some security is now left destitute, we have to be careful lest bitterness makes our lives worse than they already are.
In the Book of Ruth, simple lessons are taught through everyday people who haven't received a grand spiritual calling to do great work. Instead, we see how the main characters respond to life as most people do. They experience normal daily life and remain faithful to God. God is working in our lives even when we are not always aware of it, and often nothing extraordinary happens to us. Our Lord shows us how to stay faithful in ordinary circumstances, do what is right regardless of what others do, and serve God without being unaware of His presence.
Even though marriage to Moabite women was not forbidden, no Moabite or his descendants for ten generations were allowed in Israel, “the assembly of the Lord.” By the grace of God, people we would least expect are the ones God can use to fulfill His plans. There are five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the book of Matthew: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Even though sin seems to dominate our day, God had His people in the past—including women—through whom He would bring the promise and rest to His people. His eternal purposes will be fulfilled in His time.
No matter how deep the crisis, how dark the pessimism, or how far a nation may stray from righteousness, God’s grace continues to work amid it all—redeeming, saving, and sanctifying those who trust in Him. God moves in the lives of His people, inspiring them to be people of integrity, lovingkindness, and loyalty. Despite everything happening around us, there can still be personal fullness and joy.
Contentment and optimism are not wrong, but they do not prevent tragedies from occurring or ensure a problem-free life. “Positive thinking” does not ease a heavy heart that has lost loved ones. Optimism alone can overlook God’s will. What may be a priority for us might be of little worth in God's larger plan.
We will make mistakes. What should we do about them when mistakes cause chaos in our daily routines? When death suddenly affects our family, how should we respond to tragedy and loss? When an older person feels abandoned and isn't sure where to find help, what can they do? When a young widow feels especially vulnerable—having not lived much yet—and longs for and needs the companionship and physical closeness of a husband, what is appropriate behavior? When a man is successful in business and admired by many for achieving his goals, yet desires a genuine relationship not based on success or money—how should he behave, and what steps should he take to preserve his reputation while staying true to his beliefs? All these questions, among others, that arise in the lives of ordinary people, are addressed in the book of Ruth.
We need to follow principles and practices that have been tested and proven when making choices that affect our lives. Many attractions and temptations around us are hollow and lacking substance, yet people still pursue them, hoping for a greater reward. Turning away from what God has proven and given us is to step outside His provision through grace. Choosing to go down the road away from the Lord, which millions have already traveled, will lead to a spiritually dark and dangerous place. The risk is losing what we once had in exchange for temporary gains. Losses and death bring sadness when we lose loved ones. Those who try to cope with their losses without trusting in the Lord only add unnecessary pain to themselves and others.
Perseverance during times of tragedy and disappointment tends to shape a person’s character. It’s often in those moments that we realize God’s grace is enough for those of us who acknowledge our weakness. Suffering can strengthen believers and boost our hope as we look to the future. Job became spiritually stronger and was blessed through his suffering, even though he didn’t understand why it happened. The truth that endures through suffering rests in God’s grace. That pleases God.
If we pay attention to them, lessons from the past and learning from their mistakes will prevent us from failing. We will be strengthened in faith for the unknown road ahead, and in difficulties that await us, we will find the Lord is with us and for us, prevailing over problems we cannot handle.