The book of Ruth is an interesting book. We are not sure of its true origins. Most scholars believe it was written after the exile which comes many years after David’s reign. But we also know that stories were told in families and towns to pass down history from one generation to the next. This book is most likely in the Old Testament because it brings some light to Kind David’s ancestry.
But this story is also a powerful story of trust and friendship. Ruth is a story primarily of the friendship between two women, between mother and daughter-in-law. Some say it equals the friendship between David and Jonathan who were son and son-in-law. And Ruth is also a story of trust of God where shelter is sought under the wings of the God of Israel.
And the fact that Ruth is constantly referred to as a Moabite woman – a foreigner. And this is a constant theme throughout Scripture. Is God just for Israel or is God for all people. This was the lesson Peter had to lean in his visit to Cornelius’ house. This is the conflict we see in the Old Testament writings between Ezra and Nehemiah who preached a firm stance to only marry in the faith and Isaiah 56:6-7 which says, “And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant — these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." (NIV)
We can learn much from Ruth and Naomi on what it means to trust the Lord, even when it seems like life is going nowhere but down and what it means to love and trust a friend who will walk with you no matter what the situation.
Are there times in your life that you could only simply trust and wait? What is the power of a good friend in times of uncertainty and trial?
Blessings and Peace:
Pastor Harry
We are at such a time now. The power of good friends at such times is faith strengthened through their love. Ada
She is a friend and family. Sometimes if you don’t have a friend, family fits right in there by your side.