And I Will Trust Him Still When He Sends Me Sadness

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ruth 1:1-22.

The book of Ruth shows us how the LORD preserved the line of Christ even during the time of the judges. The family of Elimelech went to Moab during a time of great famine, where his sons married Moabite women. Though these actions may have been questionable, the LORD continues to show Himself faithful to draw people to Himself through His Word. He does this even during times of great suffering and seeming hopelessness, as the three widows experienced. Naomi has in mind the physical needs of her daughters-in-law when she encourages them to stay in Moab. Ruth shows the same love to her mother-in-law in her declaration of faithfulness toward her, and even more importantly, in her declaration of faithfulness to the one true God. Through the witness of Elimelech’s family, this Moabite woman has come to saving faith in the LORD. Together, Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem, where the LORD has visited His people. Even as Naomi recognizes the bitterness that she has known, she receives it from the hand of the LORD, the Almighty.

“A Faithful Family in a Faithless Time” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ruth. Throughout the Old Testament, even during the worst of times, the LORD always preserved for Himself a remnant. He always preserved His faithful people, and He always preserved the line of the Christ. The delightful narrative recorded in the book of Ruth recounts how the LORD did precisely that during the days when the judges ruled. Even in the most hopeless moments, the LORD gives hope to His people through the promised Redeemer.