PENTECOST XIV
August 29, 2021
“Family Ties”
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die — there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!” Ruth 1:16-17
As the difficult winter of distancing and near-isolation transitioned to spring, and greater numbers of people were vaccinated against COVID-19, heartwarming stories of families reuniting were frequent features on television and in newspapers. Grandparents were overjoyed to get reacquainted with grandchildren who were infants when they last held them, and now they were hugging lively toddlers. It felt as though real life was returning in a new, fresh way.
Families are ever-changing entities, growing, shrinking, adding, or decreasing in numbers and/or characteristics. The changes don’t necessarily occur by choice; as we all know, life has a way of happening regardless of our plans or preferences.
Family connections appear throughout the Bible, and Jesus often used examples of family life to illustrate his teachings. One of the most beautifully written, timeless stories is the Book of Ruth, which relates experiences of loss, loyalty and dedication.
The story begins as Naomi, her husband Elimelech and their two sons are forced to leave their home in Bethlehem due to a famine, and move to Moab. The sons marry Moabite women, and make their homes in the area. Tragically, not only does Naomi’s husband die, but her two adult sons as well, and Naomi decides to return to her homeland. Her daughter-in-law, Ruth is determined to stay by the side of the woman she loves like a mother, and is willing to take the risk of going to a place where she will be an outsider and a foreigner. Naomi tries to discourage her, but Ruth will not be deterred, and together they eke out a meager living.
But then interesting things begin to happen, and a relative of Naomi’s (Boaz) meets Ruth, obviously doesn’t care that she’s not “one of them,” and they marry and have a son. So, remarkably, from this disparate little group — a widow, her foreign daughter-in-law, and a wealthy farmer — a family is formed. And (fast forward) look what we find in Chapter One of the Gospel of Matthew, which gives an account of the genealogy of Jesus. Ruth and Boaz’s son, Obed, became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David, the great King of Israel, ancestor of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Ruth’s loyalty and dedication becomes an important part of the story of Jesus’ lineage.
Time after time, we learn of the many ways God is able to use ordinary people to accomplish the extraordinary. Seeking to follow God’s will, as we are all part of God’s family, we have opportunities to express generosity, support and commitment to one another, witnessing the love of Christ to all.
Blessed to be one of the family,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers