If the book of Ruth were a movie, it might look like a Hallmark romance — lots of talking, very little action, and no explosions. But don’t be fooled. Ruth opens with heartbreak and ends with hope, revealing a God who works powerfully even when He seems quiet.
Set “in the days when the judges ruled,” a time when “everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 17:6), this story unfolds during one of Israel’s darkest seasons. Yet page by page, God’s providence shines through ordinary people and faithful choices.
A famine drives Elimelech and Naomi from Bethlehem, the “house of bread”, to Moab, a land God had warned His people against. Elimelech’s name means “My God is King,” but his decision reveals a tension many of us know well: trusting God for spiritual protection versus chasing economic provision.
What looked sensible ended in tragedy. Elimelech died. Their sons, Mahlon (“sick”) and Kilion (“tired”), died too. Naomi was left with nothing. In that culture, a widow without sons faced poverty, vulnerability, and despair.
Loss has a way of hollowing us out. Whether physical, relational, material, or spiritual, grief leaves us asking where God is when life hurts. Scripture answers clearly: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). He does not disappear in suffering. He shelters us within it. When it becomes hardest to pray, worship, or repent is often when we need Him most.
Hearing that God had restored food to Bethlehem, Naomi turns to go back there. On the road, she urges her daughters-in-law to return home. Orpah does. Ruth clings. That word “cling” echoes Genesis 2:24 and describes *hesed* — loyal, covenant love. Ruth’s vow rings through history: “Wherever you go, I will go… Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth chose faith, loyalty, and sacrifice, trusting God even when the future was uncertain.
Naomi returned bitter, calling herself Mara, convinced she was empty. But God had surrounded her with the loyal love she needed most. When Naomi felt ruthless, God sent her a Ruth. As Paul later wrote, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” (2 Corinthians 1:4).
When God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins, He traded His perfect life for our sinful one. That was God saying to us, “I’m all in, no matter how costly.” Redeeming love is costly — but it always leads home.
If you’re ready to find a wonderful church home, come to LECC, 415897 Highway 9, Eufaula — Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and Wednesday night all-age activities at 6:30 p.m.
God is still writing better endings, and He’s not through filming your story. Let Him write yours with hope and love, God Bless You.
Jeremy Little, Minister
