Redemption: Rest and Restoration (Ruth 4)
Sermon by Pastor Samuel Niblack
This chapter offers a happy ending to the story of Ruth and Naomie. It begins with a famine, but ends with a beautiful harvest. It begins with death and sterility, but ends with Ruth who is described as being « worth seven sons », and with the birth of her child. It starts with Naomi filled with bitterness, but at the end, she’s filled with joy and sweetness.
Characterizing the book of Ruth, German writer Goethe called the book “the
loveliest little epic and idyllic story.” What makes this story so beautiful? What turns death into life, and sadness into joy? We all know it takes more than a magic wand, or a snap of fingers, to turn evil into good.