On November 11, Pastor Jim preaches on Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17.

The Book of Ruth has been described as “an artistically constructed, kaleidoscopic narrative filled with word play such as puns and double entendres.”

It’s a story of God’s redemption and grace, though the narrator never mentions the name of God. Nevertheless, it’s about God working in partnership with human beings.

As I’ve read the text this week, it struck me that while the Moabite Ruth is lifted up as gentle and fiercely loyal, a fine individual, the story is actually about her mother, Naomi. Naomi is transformed and her life turned around. She turns away and emigrates with her husbands and sons to Moab, then she turns back home after they die, accompanied by her daughters-in-law Orpah and Ruth. Then she turns bitter, changing her name from Naomi to Mara. Ruth refuses to turn on her and stays by her side, eventually proposing to and marrying Boaz, their kinsman redeemer. In the end, with Ruth’s baby in her arms, Naomi’s life turns to joy.

Do you see God working in the ups and downs of your daily life? Are you paying attention?