Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Old Testament, Ruth 1:1-19a                  

Ruth 1:1-19a

God doesn’t play cards. At least I don’t think he does. Just a nod toward the title above that we are not talking about bluffing or laying all the cards on the table. We began the little book of Ruth, the rightly-treasured book of Ruth in our Old Testament reading this week. It’s a family story. And as most families encounter challenges of various kinds in their trek through life, so here. We are introduced to, and taken into the family of Elimilech, his wife Naomi and their boys. They come from the same town as our Savior. That should give you a clue that God will be very much involved in this account.

Naomi, to condense matters, loses her husband after their relocation to a pagan land. Her sons also are taken in death following marriages to women of the region. Understandably, a heart has been broken, not beyond repair, but severely. And all that remains of the family are the daughters-in-law of Naomi. She bids them return to their own people and to remarry. Naomi’s summary of the situation is that “the hand of the LORD has gone out against me” (v. 13)!

Familiar with this family and their story? Well, you know what’s coming. But if you’re newly introduced to the book of Ruth, you might stand with Naomi and her assessment of the situation. But take my word for it, no matter what the circumstances, calling out the motives and methods of God, the LORD, is never a good path. So often, as is the case here, waiting and watching a bit are in order.

Read on dear friends.