Much of life is routine. We go to work, come home, eat, rest and start all over again the next day. At times we may struggle to find meaning in the humdrum of life. In this passage from the book of Ruth, we see how God providentially guides and provides in what may outwardly appear to be inconsequential moments. What we learn is that God does some of His most extraordinary work through the most ordinary events and people.
Naomi and Ruth Return
19So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”
Series: God of the Ordinary
Other messages in: God of the Ordinary
The book of Ruth must surely be one of the loveliest short stories ever written. Its four chapters contain a tale of purity, faithfulness, innocence, loyalty, duty and love, yet it is set in dark times. The concluding verse of the book of Judges, which comes immediately before Ruth in the Bible, tells us that, "In those days Israel had no King; everyone did as he saw fit." One commentator says, "The book of Judges teems with violent invasions, apostate religion, unchecked lawlessness, and tribal civil war."
It is against this backdrop of strife and chaos that this story unfolds. Ordinary people in Bethlehem facing the everyday events of life; marriage, moving home, bereavement, family relationships... In all of this we are reminded that no matter how dark or dramatic the events of life appear to be, God still has His people and is still working out His purposes. It is in the humdrum and routine events of life that we discover God at work. If you have ever wondered if God really knows who or where you are or whether He could possibly be interested in you, you will find this series of studies to be particularly useful. Join Alistair Begg as he encourages us to look for God in the everyday ordinariness of our lives.
