2022: A Year of Peace and Restoration (Part Six)

—Ruth 2:11–12 NASB

Another Heroine!

To describe the brilliant women in the Bible for their tremendous contributions to life and legacy cannot be overstated. Ruth was another heroine of historical proportions that made a huge impact in her generation and in the generations to come. She was the great-grandmother of Israel’s most beloved king, David (the ‘JFK of Israel,’[1] so to speak). And she features in the family lineage of Jesus, the Messiah, as recorded by Matthew (Mt 1:5).

What Ruth did in her lifetime was powerful, and lasted beyond it, preparing the way for the future. Sometimes we just don’t know what impact we are having by doing the right and honourable thing, even if it seems nobody is taking notice. But Boaz, a good man, noticed her noble character and good deeds and was used by God to become a channel of blessing to her for the good she had done. Ruth did what she did in very difficult circumstances and during tough times. There was no security, nor certainty of a good outcome, but she did it anyway. It’s how we handle life that will greatly affect its outcome—for us, those around us and those after us. Don’t just live to make a living; live to make a life and leave a legacy!

Great Things can Happen in Tough Times

We don’t like tough times, but we know sometimes they are part of our lives. It’s handling them right that matters and makes all the difference. As the saying goes, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going.’ Are you tough enough to handle tough times? Or, in the thought of ancient biblical wisdom, ‘If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!’ (Prov 24:10 NIV). In other words, tough times reveal how much, or little, strength is in us. The problem is not the tough times, but rather the lack of strength and wisdom to handle them rightly. Martin Luther King Jr was right when he stated that ‘The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’ When things are easy, it’s not hard to do the right thing. But when things are difficult, it is. It is always important to do the right thing, but it’s even more so in difficult times to do the right thing! The Bible encourages us to seek the Lord and His strength, as well as His face on a continual basis (Ps 105:4). That’s where we find the strength to do the right thing towards a good outcome. Job, in his suffering, did the right thing: ‘But as for me, I would seek God, and I would place my cause before God’ (Job 5:8). It’s a daily lifestyle of walking with and trusting God, not just occasionally or when we’re in trouble. We must be ready for tough times and our strength must come from God.

The good news and biblical hope we see in Scripture is that great things can happen in tough times. Joseph, for example, prevented mass starvation in a time of severe famine through the interpretation of dreams and corresponding strategies of proper food administration. Esther saved her people from a genocide against impossible odds. Israel’s judges and kings fought successful wars against powerful enemies. Nothing is impossible for God.

Ruth, too, did something that at first appears to have been just a modest contribution to life and survival, but it turned out to have had far reaching consequences. Doing the right thing in tough times under difficult circumstances is even harder, but it will have a great outcome. Sometimes it’s the small, ‘normal’ things of life we do that prepare the way for great change and usher in abundant blessings. Never despise small beginnings, or humble origins, as the future can be prosperous despite it all (see Job 8:7). Great things can happen during tough times. Trust Him, come hell or high water. He’s with us even when we go through the fire or the waters (Isa 43:2). Daniel’s friends were saved in the fire, not from being in the fire (Dan 3). Therefore, we say, not ‘May the Force be with you,’ as the Jedis say, but ‘May the Fourth be with you!’

There are Good People During Bad Times

The tough circumstances Ruth found herself in also show that there are good people even during bad times. The story of Ruth was during the times of the judges, a time we described when discussing Gideon and Deborah. There was a cycle of sin and defeat, yet also of God’s mercy and deliverance. The people were stuck in a vicious cycle and suffered its consequences. The majority of people at the time were doing the wrong thing and everything was difficult, yet we find in the Book of Ruth that God always has good people somewhere despite the hard times they’re in. Even when Israel was in serious idolatry during the time of Elijah the prophet, God had others who had not followed the ‘popular’ but evil stuff of the day (1 Kings 17—19). Elijah thought he was the only one faithful to God in the midst of corruption, but he wasn’t (19:18). There are always other good people—just find them, appreciate them and partner with them.

What Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, suffered was horrible and painful. She first lost her husband, then her two sons, who had no offspring. How much worse could life get? And remember, there was no social security or State pensions to help widows. All they had was family and relatives. First Ruth, then Boaz, showed the kindness and responsibility of good people. Good people make great impact and bring positive changes during bad times. That’s how it’s supposed to be. Unfortunately, however, it sometimes happens that family members fight each other when things go wrong. Tough times must make us stand together and find ways to bring about a strategy to overcome difficulties.

How You Interpret Tragedy is Vital for your Perception

Not only was life difficult during the times of the judges, there was also a famine in Israel at the time (Ruth 1:1). Sometimes life gets worse, not better. Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, decided to move abroad, to neighbouring Moab, in order to seek a better life (vv 1–2). But tragedy struck and the head of the family died (v 3). Life got even worse! Naomi’s two sons found wives in Moab, but had not offspring before tragedy struck again: both young men died (v 5). All the men were dead. Losing her husband was painful and tragic; losing her sons must have been unbearable. The three women were left alone and vulnerable. Everything fell apart! When one tragedy strikes us, it’s though. But when one follows the other in short interval, most of us would be overwhelmed, and the danger of making wrong decisions is looming. But how did these bereaved women handle all this?

Naomi sought to do the right and responsible thing. Famine had made them leave their home country (1:1), but a change of circumstances made her return: God had been providing food (1:6). Despite the hardships, God has ways to provide and ways to turn circumstances around.

In those days, young widows would return to their fathers and seek to rebuild their lives. Naomi would release them with her blessing, yet the bond between them was very strong (vv 7–9). Eventually, Orpah return to her family, but Ruth clung to her beloved mother-in-law and would eventually find a new family (v 14). Ruth was dedicated and uttered these very powerful words:

—Ruth 1:16–17 NASB

These touching words reflect the remarkable character of this young Moabite widow. Although people would migrate in families and tribes, moving to other places as individuals was uncommon. Ruth showed extraordinary commitment and dedication to Naomi (v 18), something that impressed a key person who would provide generous resources (2:11–12). It’s what you do for others in their weakness that matters most, even when no one seems to notice. Do the right thing for the right reason. Walking into the unknown, as Ruth did, takes tremendous courage. Yet it was exactly this kindness she showed towards her mother-in-law that made her future husband understand that she was a ‘woman of excellence’ (3:11)! The kindness you sow, is the kindness you’ll reap.

Yet despite that comforting attitude by Ruth, Naomi interpreted the tragedy negatively. She stated, ‘the hand of the Lord has gone forth against me’ (v 13), and, ‘the Almighty has afflicted me’ (v 21). Upon returning home, she refused to be called Naomi (‘pleasant’), and wanted to be referred to as Mara (‘bitter’), since, in her view, ‘the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me’ (v 20). She adopted a new identity defined by her experience. The way we interpret the events in our lives is vital as it builds our perception of God and forms our attitudes towards ourselves, those around us and our future. God is not bad or evil, but has good plans for people. He is light and there is no darkness in Him (1 Jn 1:15). Yet sometimes things go wrong, we suffer and we must learn to handle that without drawing wrong conclusions. This can prove rather difficult, but God was to bring about a major change in her life and show His kindness despite the tragedies of life. Trust Him, even if the present feels bitter. May your future feel sweet!

How You Handle Tragedy is Crucial for the Future

The interpretation of the events of life is vital for our perception as it forms the basis of how we handle tragedy, which in turn is crucial for our future and the future of those related or connected to us. How you get up after you’ve been knocked down is what matters. The righteous may also fall, even several times, yet will rise again (Prov 24:16). The storms of life come to all of us, yet standing strong is what matters (Mt 7:24–27). Nobody is exempt from suffering, but God provides strength and comfort to get through it—better, not bitter.

The two major persons in the life of Naomi, through which God showed her His kindness, were Ruth and Boaz. They made all the difference, each according to what they could do. It’s not what or how many ‘talents’ you are given; it’s how you use them that matters (Mt 25:14–30). Or, as my English grandad used to say, Life is like a game of cards: you cannot choose the cards, but you can choose how you play them. As the saying goes, play the hand you’re dealt—and play it well! Make the best of life, nothing more is required. That’s why don’t compare yourself to others, but, as Jordan Peterson so brilliantly says, ‘compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today,’[2] meaning, look at your own progress and keep developing yourself, your skills ect. It’s not wrong to compare, but only in order to consider and learn and grow and develop, not to compete, as Jonathan David so wisely put it: ‘compare to consider, not to compete.’ We can learn from others, but should never enter a wrong type of competition. Be happy with who you are and do your best. Ruth did her part, Boaz did his. Each one contributed what they could.

What Ruth did under these challenging circumstances was truly remarkable. She handled tragedy very well. She did the right and responsible thing. She didn’t despair after the loss of her own husband, but sought a way to work it out with Naomi. They had both suffered the same fate, yet it brought them closer together. When we suffer together and learn to forgive and overcome, good things can follow. Those who get bitter and angry will have it difficult or worse. Draw on the strength of those who suffered the same tragedies as you. The power that this kind of compassion from suffering the same tragedies can release is remarkable.

Take the Opportunities that Come Your Way

Naomi and Ruth arrived at a crucial moment, the beginning of the harvest (1:22). Despite the tragedies of life, there are always opportunities that come our way; we just need to see them and make the best of them. Bitterness and blaming others make us ‘blind’ towards those opportunities that come our way, and we sink into despair or, worse, depression. This would not be the way to handle tragedy. God in His kindness and providence provided opportunities so they could recover from their tragedies. God is a God of restoration. Remember, without State social services, this was a matter of survival. The death of a husband had huge financial implications for women.

Ruth took the opportunity that was presented to her: she went to work in the field (2:2). Handling tragedy well, including financial loss, requires for us to get to work, no matter what it might be. Start where you can and work yourself up as is possible. By doing so, Ruth happened to work in a strategic place: the field of a relative, who would later become the redeemer figure to turn their fortune around completely.

The brilliant system in Israel’s law allowed for the poor to harvest the edges in the fields. The rich shouldn’t become greedy and must share with the poor, but in such a way as to give the poor an opportunity to help themselves. This also gives dignity to the poor, who then won’t just live off hand-outs, but can work for their own keep. Ruth was first accountable to her mother-in-law (2:2), and then to the owner of the field (2:7). It’s important that we do things in an honourable and correct manner as we seek to rebuild our lives after tragedy. Work yourself out of lack or debt, don’t cheat and certainly never steal! God will bless the righteous approach to life.

Ruth had no impure motives, but her humility and hard work did her credit. This would reveal her moral excellence by which she conducted herself. She was dedicated to help herself and her mother-in-law. This was the key thing that impressed Boaz the most (2:11–12; 3:11). And it was Boaz who became the other key person to bring about a great change in their lives. Taking the opportunities that come your way and serving therein faithfully can bring about great consequences to improve your situation that you might not foresee. Simply keep doing your best and God will have ways to bless and prosper you in His merciful provision.

Do Your Best and God will Add Provisions Through Others

Being faithful in small things (Lk 16:10) brings greater opportunities and blessing (Mt 25:21, 23). This was true in Ruth’s life, too. This way God could use another key person to add provisions: Boaz, their relative.

Boaz was ‘a man of great wealth’ (2:1), a man with means. He was also a good man, as he gave Ruth work (2:8) and provided her with protection and provision (2:9, 15–16). This he did both in honour of Naomi and her deceased husband, Elimelech, his relative, but also because he knew Ruth was a ‘woman of excellence’ (3:11), a reputation that was widespread. He was well informed, as men of influence are, and knew all about the good and honourable things Ruth had done for Naomi after the tragedy (2:11). He wanted to be a blessing to her in return (v 12), which brought comfort to Ruth (v 13). The kindness we sow, is the kindness we’ll reap. Taking refuge under the wings of the Almighty brings His protection and provision (v 12), as Psalm 91 so powerfully illustrates.

In relating to Ruth, Boaz was not misled by prejudice, but evaluated her by her character. This is the only wise way in life. Each person deserves a chance, no matter where they come from. Moabite women had in earlier history misled certain Israelite men into idolatry through sexual immorality. The odds were against Ruth with such prejudice against her people and gender, but all the more, she overcame all prejudice because of her moral excellence. You can change people’s wrong perceptions by your deeds. She did not allow the past to hinder her being who she was. Neither did she seek to entice a rich man sexually, but with purity and humility followed the proper legal and cultural customs at the time, as instructed by Naomi (3:1ff). Your good character and hard work will always pave the way for you and your success. Be patient when things are difficult, but keep persevering in the right ways.

As pointed out above, without State pension or social security, the family, and extended family, was the ‘safety net’ at the time. Family was obliged to take responsibility when tragedy hit. This is common to many if not all cultures, but people are not always willing to help unless there’s a financial or other advantage. Boaz, however, was motivated by honour and responsibility. He tactfully arranged the inheritance matter in the presence of witnesses and in a manner honourable to whom honour was due (4:1ff). Legality is crucial, honour vital. Other people recognised God’s blessing on Naomi (4:14) and the love Ruth had for her (v 15). In the end, all things worked in Naomi’s and Ruth’s favour and a happy end turned a tragedy into a triumph! God is a God of restoration in the midst of tragedy and loss. Trust Him!

[1] John F. Kennedy (1917–1963) is usually remembered as America’s most popular president. [2] Peterson, Jordan B. 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. 85ff.