Thoughts on Ruth 1

Ruth is a small booked packed full of great information. We have only taken a look at the first five verses so far and the theme here is great loss.

Loss 1-A great move to a foreign land(loss of home, job, friends, familiarity).
Loss 2-Loss of a husband (Naomi is widowed in the foreign land).
Loss 3-Loss of her two sons (Naomi is left alone in this foreign land).

If this was all of the story it would be so sad however God writes great stories. There is a happy ending through this horrible tragedy. We will see this as we go. We will see that God is in control and works out His plans regardless of our choices. We may have consequences for our choices that are not pleasant but our choices never interrupt God's plan. He works all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

The biggest thing that stood out to me was this family choosing to leave their promise land. It had not been that long ago that Joshua led the Israelites over the God-parted Jordan river to take possession of this land He was giving them. Joshua had each tribe set up a little monument of stones from the center of the river so that everyone would remember this event when they saw it. God worked on their behalf in miraculous ways so they could take possession of this land of promise. However, in the time of the judges people started doing what was right in their own eyes and stopped following God. This has consequences.

The consequence of the time period of the book of Ruth is a famine in the land. Naomi's family decide to leave their promise land through this trial. They move to a foreign country that housed their peoples enemies.

Consider this:
How often do things start to get rough or dry in our life and we decide to take some steps away from God? We distance ourselves and walk away like they did. Instead of by faith pressing into God knowing He is there though we cannot see Him we distance ourselves. But this is the truth we know and need to cling to in these times.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

"7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons." Hebrews 12:7-8

How about you? Are you clinging to your spiritual promise land? Where God has placed you are you keeping your eyes fixed on Him? Are you persevering through a tough time? Hang tight dear one it will not last forever. God is there. God does not change and He loves you more than you can even think or imagine. Just cling to Him and keep your eyes fixed on Him. The end of your story has not yet come. He has more in store. Wait for it.