Ruth Chapter 1

The loss of a job, an unforeseen diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, threats and rumors of war, division and hatred, a pandemic. There are times when chaos, loss and pain seem out of control. Our lives spin as we attempt to hang on through the daily grind, while all the while we crumble on the inside.

Have you ever had those moments? When external circumstances drive you to your knees in tears? In my short adult life I have had those crying in the shower, questioning God moments.  Haven’t we all? The truth is all around us there is brokenness, both big and small. Some face hairline cracks, smaller more insignificant moments of vulnerability, while others face large schisms that threaten to break them right in half.

Ruth and Naomi were familiar with brokenness. Naomi, a Jew, had lived in the land of Moab with her husband, Elimelech. Then one day tragedy struck. Elimelech died. Naomi was left a widow with two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, who had both married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. I can only imagine the pain Naomi must have felt at the loss of her husband. But this was not the only tragedy for Naomi. After living for 10 years in the country of Moab with her sons and daughters-in-law, Mahlon and Chilion also died.

Three widows now found themselves all alone and without a male provider. In their culture this was the height of tragedy. They were homeless and without protection or someone to provide for their basic needs.  They found themselves physically alone, spiritually devastated in a land of sinners, and without hope of salvation.

I can imagine each one of them falling to their knees. Shattered. Shaking. Dizzy. Would they allow their faith to be shaken? No.

You see, Naomi knew something that she had obviously passed on to her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Naomi chose to cling to faith and hope. She would return to Bethlehem, the land of bread and promise, with expectation in a God bigger than her spiritual and physical challenges. Even in believing that “the Lord had dealt bitterly with her,” (Ruth 1:20) she believed in the hope of finding a kinsmen redeemer. Ruth also held onto this hope. Despite having been told by her mother-in-law to stay in Moab, Ruth vowed to follow Naomi to Bethlehem.

Ruth said, “For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16 ESV)

Together Ruth and Naomi would look to Bethlehem for hope.

And so, in our physical brokenness we are reminded of our spiritual brokenness. We are all but sinners in a desolate land, lost and in need of a redeemer.  Like Naomi and Ruth, we can grasp for hope and look to Bethlehem. No matter the outcome of our physical circumstances we can place our faith in Jesus, a baby, who would grow up to become a king, a friend, and ultimately Savior.

Are you feeling physically broken? Look to Bethlehem. Jesus is Healer (Matthew 9:35). Are you mentally worn? Look to Bethlehem. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Are you spiritually broken? Look to Bethlehem. Jesus is Redeemer.

Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”