Naomi's husband moved her and their two sons to Moab when Israel experienced a famine. While there, the sons marry Moabite women. In the space of 20 years, the husband and both sons die, leaving all three women widows.
Naomi hears the famine is over back in Judah, so she packs up and heads for home with her two daughters-in-law. On the way, she stops and tells the other two women to go back to their families. She's gracious, but it seems unusual that she'd do this after they'd already set out on their journey. Perhaps the one seemed reluctant, and Naomi was giving her a way out.
Orpah returns to her family home, but Ruth declares she won't leave Naomi until they're parted by death. It's interesting that Naomi blames God for her situation, but Ruth never says a negative word. In spite of their circumstances and an uncertain future, she does the next right thing day after day.
When they get to Judah, the barley harvest is in full swing. Ruth asks Naomi permission to go glean in the fields. In that day, widows had little choice on how to support themselves and their families. Picking up a few grains of barley or wheat during the harvest helped them keep food on the table.
God worked in the most wonderful way in Ruth's life because of her endurance. Check out our website and click on the Media Tab to listen to the rest of the story and see how faithfulness in dire situations can turn them around for our good.
This coming Sunday (4/21/19) is Resurrection Sunday. If you're in the area, come on out and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. The service begins at 9:30 AM, so you'll have plenty of time to gather with your friends and family afterward. Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We look forward to meeting you!
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