Living according to God’s ways is good — it glorifies His immeasurable worth, bears the fruit of peaceful homes, nurtures love for others, and stirs good works done in humility. As Romans 8:6-7 says, “the mind set on the flesh is sin and death“, but “the mind set on the spirit is life and peace“.  Although God has redeemed and secured us by His perfect blood, we still live in a world that is fallen and corrupt. Our hearts are deceitful above all else and prone to wander. Inevitably, we all stumble and experience the consequences of living in rebellion to God’s design — reaping thorns of relational conflict and heartache, bitterness, anger, loss, pain, and anxiety. When faced with unknowns, it is often tempting to make pragmatic choices — to turn away from God and act in self-reliance. Now, what should our response be when we come to the realization that we have wandered off the path of life?

                                                                                           *

Long ago, there lived a woman named Naomi. She lived in Bethlehem during the time of the Judges — a time when “everyone did what was right in their own eyes“. There was no hunger for God in this land, so God sent a famine (Deut. 11:13-17). In response — Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, led his family on a path to seek provision in Moab; a land of idolatry and pagan worship. Not only was this decision both shameful and dangerous, but it revealed Elimelech’s heart condition before God. He chose to turn from God rather than turn from his sin. He acted in self-reliance, rather than humble trust that God would not abandon them in this season. 

This family’s intended “sojourn” then turned into ten years away from God’s land and people. Can you imagine the conversations that must have taken place? The slow but steady compromises that occurred while living in a culture that worshipped their own desires and lived in rebellion against God’s commands? Naomi’s family had been commanded to live set-apart and distinct as God’s people. They had journeyed to Moab for food, but they ended up staying and settling down there. Her sons, Mahlon (meaning sickness) and Chileon (meaning wasted, finished), decided to marry Moabite women. Then suddenly, Elimelech died. The death of both sons soon followed. Their wives, Orpah and Ruth, were left childless and Naomi was bereft of her immediate family. Blow after blow. Tragedy after tragedy. 

Now, Naomi was left to grieve in the dust with her two, foreign daughters-in-law. How would they provide for themselves? Who would protect and lead them? Had Naomi made a fatal, irredeemable mistake in leaving Bethlehem to abide in Moab?

While walking in the field, Naomi began to hear quiet whispering nearby — news that the Lord had given food to His people in Bethlehem. In recognition that there was nothing left for her here, she then arose to return home. 

                                                                                         *

Perhaps Naomi wondered if she would be able to survive the journey in her old age. Had she wandered too far this time and out-sinned her way from God’s care? Wouldn’t it seem pragmatic to just continue in sin that face this steep upward climb before her — to take the path of least resistance? What awaited her in Bethlehem, anyway? Would anyone remember her? If so, what would they think now? Orpah and Ruth had pleaded to accompany their mother in law. Knowing that this would be foolish for them, Naomi adamantly explained:

“Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and bear sons, would you therefore wait ’till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me” (Ruth 1:12-13). 

The bitterness of longsuffering had led this woman to stubborn despondency and hopelessness. The weight of her sin and the experience of her hardships had felt like God’s hand was against her. By implication, Naomi pressed Orpah and Ruth to consider: if they went with her, wouldn’t the hand of the Lord be against them also? They would surely be treated as outcasts in Bethlehem as Moabite women. It was much better for them to stay where it was familiar and comfortable. 

Yet, throughout such a somber scene, the author of this book continues to repetitively weave a word that highlights a ray of hope: “Return“. This chapter is about returning. Against a dark backdrop we see the mercy and providence of God shine. 

                                                                                          *

Now, a path not only lies before Naomi, but Orpah and Ruth as well. Orpah kissed Naomi and turned away, but Ruth clung to her mother-in-law with determination. Forsaking all human securities, she desired to come under YHWH in faith and live to serve Naomi rather than live a comfortable life in Moab. Think about how countercultural this is! Naturally, when face with threats, we are prone to think what is “right” must be comfortable and safe. Yet, Ruth essentially disregards her own life as her own — she chose to walk with Naomi even though it could lead to extreme hardship, risk, and likely death. She went against the grain — even with the pressure that came from what other people decided to do. God saw and honored this. God brought Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehem at the time of the barley harvest. A time of hope. 

                                                                                        *

In pondering David’s words in Psalm 25, I cannot help but hear this same, repentant, humble cry rise in the heart of Naomi as well: “Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions, according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness O Lord.” I am thankful that we belong to a God who does not make monuments in remembrance of our sins. He encourages us to proclaim his steadfast love and unchanging character — to consider his Hesed kindness toward our wandering hearts.

Little did Naomi and Ruth know what tender mercies and redemption God had in store — not only for them, but for the whole world! A kinsman redeemer was reserved, and the line of the Messiah would continue.

As John Piper said, “God was not only plotting for the temporal blessing of a few Jews in Bethlehem. He was preparing for the coming of the greatest king that Israel would have, David. And the name of David carries with it the hope of the Messiah, the new age, peace, righteousness, freedom from pain and crying and grief and guilt. This simple little story opens out like a stream into a great river of hope!“

This book began with three funerals. Now it ends with a wedding and a baby. After ten years of death and barrenness in Moab, we read of ten generations of life! Only God can bring one from death to life, despair to hope, emptiness to fullness, bitterness to praise, and curse to blessing!

                                                                                        *

Take heart — when we stumble on the path of life, God is faithful even in our unfaithfulness. Trust in the sovereignty of Him who can use all things for good. Confess your sins and He will be faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Ask God in prayer for grace and strength to walk the narrow path that leads to life. He is able to keep us from stumbling and present us before the throne of God with great joy.