RUTH 4:13-17

The Book of Ruth tells the story of a man named Elimelech who took his wife, Naomi, and their two sons from their home in Bethlehem in Judah east to a foreign land called Moab. While they were in Moab, Elimelech died. The two boys grew up, married Moabite women, and then they died.

Naomi made the journey back to Bethlehem, and one of her daughters-in-law called Ruth went back with her. Naomi went back to Bethlehem filled with sorrow after her husband and her two sons died. Naomi complained about how she had gone away full, but the Lord had brought her back empty. She thought God had treated her harshly. Ruth 1:21, “I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty.

Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon
me.” She however finished with a sense of fulfillment and purpose in her life (Ruth 4:14-17). In the end she saw that God was truly for her, and provided perfectly for her and for us even when we think there is no hope for us!
Boaz married Ruth and had a baby boy, Obed who became the grandfather of King David – who became king over Israel and Judah. Jesus can trace his lineage to Dave. Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us take Naomi’s experience as a lesson for us. We must never assume that God has forsaken us. His providence may not always be apparent, but He is working “all things…together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Don’t give up on life too soon – not till you see what God’s faithfulness can do. Jesus is our faithful Redeemer, who has paid the price to deliver you and me and to recover us for an eternity of joy. My friend, your Redeemer lives, and because He does, you too will live – forever!

VICTORY AT LAST