"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life." Psalms 23:6.
The Book of Ruth tells the story of Naomi's redemption. When Naomi returned to Bethlehem, the women called out, is it really Naomi? Naomi responded do not call me Naomi, but Mara, which means bitter. She felt God had made life very bitter for her. Naomi said she returned to Bethlehem "empty". She was a widow and her two sons were dead also. Naomi felt abandoned by God. Ruth 1:5, 19-21.
However, Naomi was not abandoned by God. While she had endured much, God had great plans for her, Ruth and Boaz. By returning to Bethlehem with Naomi, Ruth demonstrated unconditional love to Naomi. Every day, Ruth further demonstrated her love for Naomi by gathering the leftover grain in the fields to provide food for Naomi and herself.
For her kindness and love, Ruth gained security, a loving husband, and a child, Obed. Ruth's kindness and Obed's birth demonstrated to Naomi that God can bring good from even the worst circumstances. God took Naomi's emptiness and the bad circumstances she found herself in and gave her fullness and great joy. Naomi gained the joy and happiness that she thought had eluded her.
God loves us just like He loved Naomi. God gave us the greatest gift of love, Jesus Christ. Jesus gave us salvation and the opportunity for relationship with the triune God and is the ultimate gift of God's unfailing, unconditional love to mankind. At times in life, though we may feel abandoned, God has not abandoned us. He does not forget us. God loves us and wants the best for us.
May we not lose hope during life's struggles but seek Him, His truth and find the good He has in store for us. "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you will look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you." Jeremiah 29:11-13.
Let God's unfailing love hold you and show you the good He has planned for you. His plans for us are far better then what we can imagine or dream for ourselves.
The Book of Ruth is a great book and only four chapters. It is a short read, but a great story of unconditional love in action.
Heather S. Deaton
I love the 2nd chapter of Ruth, "as it turns out, just then Boaz shows up" is my hope in life! Just when I think things look bleak, God shows up!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Luann
I love how Ruth's loving commitment and service to Naomi, and to her God, started this wonderful ball rolling. Shows me the power of Philia - the greek word for love in freindship. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this.
Sweet Blessings ~ Rachel Olsen
Thaanks for sharing- if you seek Me, you will find me- this is my scripture for the year. blessing for showing us how God loves us all unconditionally.
ReplyDeleteHi, Heather. Love the story of Ruth. Love means you trust and obey the Lord enough that your love shows through. You don't worry, don't fear, just trust Him and obey. He takes care of the rest, as He took care of Ruth. It's really so simple yet so many have trouble doing it. Love you're blog. I'll be the first to sign up as a follower. Thanks for sharing!!!
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