John Paul Holloway - June 16, 2019
Empty or Full? - Ruth 1:1-22
Famine in Israel, in Bethlehem ("house of bread") occurred as consequence of Israel's sin, and Naomi's family moved to Moab. Naomi's husband and both sons died in Moab and, in the face of these trials, she arose to return to Bethlehem in Israel, the land the Lord has given to Naomi and her people. Similarly, in time of trial, we should also turn to the Lord. Naomi arrived at home and expressed her bitterness and claimed emptiness, but she did have Ruth with her. Ruth has left her home and family to be with Naomi. In contrast to Naomi, when we experience hardship and suffering, we should remember that we are not empty but full, in that we have the Lord. The Lord will provide a grandson for Naomi, a son for Ruth, and this son, born in Bethlehem has Jesus as his descendant, who also was born in Bethlehem.
