The book of Ruth, a short work at only four chapters, opens with the backstory of a family’s tragic sojourn in Moab, during the time of the judges. The father and sons die, leaving three widows behind, of whom only Naomi and Ruth, a mother and her daughter-in-law, return to Israel to start a new life from the ashes of the old. Their arrival in Bethlehem reunites Naomi with old friends, but she is bitter from her losses, and Ruth, a Moabite, is a foreigner in the land. Nevertheless Ruth sets to work, making herself useful and taking her mother-in-law’s advice. Meager new beginnings soon blossom into God-ordained opportunity as Naomi’s kinsman, Boaz, takes notice of Ruth.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission