Today’s reading is the culmination of a day that began with Ruth going out looking for food and “favour”. Ruth found both these things in Boaz’s field. Ruth returns to Naomi with an abundance of barley. Yesterday we noted that Boaz is a source of hope and blessing. This is picked up in part of Ruth 2 which we …
The story of Ruth turns again with the introduction of Boaz. Naomi and Ruth are not alone: they have a relative in Bethlehem, “a man of standing”. Moreover, Boaz is a landowner and farmer who runs his property according to the law of God: he left the edges of his field and any produce that fell so that the …
Naomi and Ruth arrive back in Bethlehem. As the women call out her name, Naomi, which means “pleasant”, Naomi suggests a new name for herself: Mara, which means “bitter”. Her reasoning is that she believes God – with all his power – has made her life very bitter. It is interesting that for Naomi, as a …
Our reading has jumped since yesterday. After the deaths of Elimelek, Mahlon and Kilion, the story turns on a piece of good news: “[Naomi] heard in Moab that the LORD had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them” (1:6). This prompts a decision by Naomi to return to Judah, …
Yesterday, we noted the book of Ruth began in difficult times, both for the nation of Israel and for Elimelek and his family. Now, tragedy hits the family: First with the death of Elimelek, and then the death of Naomi’s two sons. Ominously, the Hebrew names Mahlon and Kilion are related to the words …
The book of Ruth opens with difficulty. It was the “days when the judges ruled”, a dark spiritual period in Israel when, “everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21:25). Though famines were common in Biblical times, the Bible makes a clear link between human sin and the productiveness of the land (Deuteronomy 28). …
Hannah’s song comes after answered prayer. Her praise of God springs from experiencing the reality of who God is and what he has done in changing her difficult circumstances. Her joy is in the Lord, and exclusively so: it is the Lord and no-one else who has revealed himself in power in her life, and …
What wonderful verses on which to end our readings on “Hope in suffering”! A two thousand year old benediction that speaks of hope. Paul is clear that hope comes from God. God is “the God of hope”. The birth of hope in our lives is a supernatural event: it comes “by the power of the …
These words from the book of Revelation speak of the suffering of God’s people as they keep God’s commands and remain faithful to Jesus. While they were originally written to early Christians suffering persecution in the 1st century, they have for two thousands years been a source of encouragement and strength to God’s people everywhere …
How can death produce life? This is the paradox at the heart of the Christian faith: that through the death of Jesus Christ, eternal, indestructible life is offered to all. Jesus, as ever, has a wonderfully simple picture to illustrate this truth: seeds. A seed is planted in the ground, and through its death …
During these weeks of home isolation, it is both comforting and encouraging to engage with the Bible. We have compiled resources which can help you and your loved ones stay in close relationship with God. These resources also equip all who are engaging in virtual community to stay close to one another.
