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Within the dismal narrative of Israel’s judges, the story of Ruth shines. The reason it is so beloved is probably because it tells a feel good story with down-to-earth people who we can certainly identify with. However, I’m going to take a different angle on this chapter. Does anyone else wonder why in the world Elimelech and his family left Bethlehem to go to Moab?
Yes, there was a famine, but they were God’s people. In fact, I would go as far as to say it was a terrible decision. Not only did all the men die, but now Naomi was left grieving in a foreign land and still not finding nourishment. Then we read that she decides to go back because she has heard that the Lord has sent bread to His people. This is the ah-ha moment of this chapter.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?han clothing? 26 Consider the birds of the sky, that they do not sow or reap or gather produce into barns, and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are?
Matthew 6:25-26 ESV
Years later, Jesus would say these words. I can’t help but focus on the decision that was made by Elimelech which affected his entire family. It was a big choice with consequences. However, in God’s grace, He allowed for Naomi and Ruth to form a beautiful bond. His glory would come through despite the bad choice that Elimelech made.
Have you ever been put in a terrible situation by a decision that was out of your control? How did you respond to it? We must remember that even when it seems others have sealed our fate, God’s mercy shines through. He can turn around any situation and use it for His glory.