Things Don't Just Happen - The Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth is one of the most moving stories in the Bible. Many people believe that it is written with such sensitivity and understanding of family dynamics that it must have been written by a woman. I’m inclined to think they are right.

The plot is moved forward by ongoing decisions - just like our lives. Some decisions seem to be defining moments, times when we are called to make a choice between doing what others are doing or taking what author Scott Peck called “a road less traveled”. Others feel like some decisions are forced by the need to survive. In those times, it seems as if life is offering us no good choice at all. Yet others seem to be inconsequential – even random.

The Book of Ruth is about the long-lasting impact of all our choices. By walking us through a series of people’s lives, it shows us how our choices play out in this world. Even though the people in Ruth’s story make real choices that have real consequences, they (and we who read the book) discover that there is a reality operating in this world directing and working all things together to bring about something greater than we ever could have imagined. The Book of Ruth has one major character who remains behind-the-scenes of the narrative. The all-powerful, present and gracious God is at work in the midst of every decision that is made.

We will see what Romans 8:28 looks like in real lives in these weeks together, i.e., God is at work in all things for the good of those who love him. That will not always be evident to the other characters – but it will eventually be demonstrated to be true.

I pray we will all learn to practice the presence of God every day. May we learn that things don’t just happen - because the God of the Bible is always present and at work.