Potential of Promises
Ruth 3:1-18
Naomi is worried about the future. She and Ruth remain in a precarious position, not quite as dire since they can eat for the day and probably a few weeks, but still their future teeters between fragile and disastrous. In the death of their husbands, they have lost everything that would have provided security and a path forward. Now they depend on the system that existed in ancient Israel to care for the poor and aliens along with widows and children. They depend on gleaning to secure food for themselves. As we heard in last week’s reading, Boaz exhibits exceptional generosity to further add to their food stores and provide additional security.
As the story continues to unfold, Naomi and Ruth have to address their next pressing need - the marriage of Ruth to a male relative of Elimelech. This step is necessary because women in the ancient world couldn’t own property. There is a parcel of land, but Naomi and Ruth can only access it and use it if a male relative married to Ruth takes possession of it. Naomi and Ruth begin machinations to accomplish what they must do to survive.
When we face desperation, we become capable of doing many things that may or may not be in our best interest. When we face such feelings, we may turn to drugs, or unhealthy relationships, or bury ourselves in work, or any number of other unhealthy activities. Many people throughout the world face desperation with regard to the essentials of daily living. Food, water, housing, clothing, and security are daily concerns for numerous populations around the world. People in these circumstances do what Naomi and Ruth do; they do whatever they must do to survive.
Even while others, and we ourselves, may do whatever must be done to survive, God continues to work towards God’s intentions for creation and its creatures. God makes a way forward, working with us from wherever we find ourselves and facing whatever challenges are before us. God remains faithful to Naomi and Ruth; God remains faithful to us; God remains faithful to our neighbors.
Reflection Questions:
When have you felt desperation in your life? How did you respond in that time?
Where do you see desperation around you in our world today?
Naomi and Ruth are in a difficult situation. What ways could they have responded to their situation?
How do you see God making a path forward in this story? How do you see God making a path forward in your life?