ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 5, 2026
In the Book of Ruth, when the mother-in-law, Naomi, was trying to encourage Ruth and Orpah to return to their families after both of their husbands (Naomi’s sons) died, she said:
“Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, would you then wait until they were grown?” (Vs.12-13)
In times of crisis and grief, our options appear limited, and even the absurd is mentioned and quickly dismissed, as Naomi did in this case. Both Orpah and Ruth had to have been struggling as their lives were turned upside down and inside out. Of course, Ruth refused to return her family as Naomi had encouraged, and unlike her sister Orpah, Ruth chose to travel with her anguished mother-in-law to a place Ruth had never known. In the ancient world, the trip to Bethlehem, Naomi’s hometown, would not have been easy for anyone, but especially two single women. And though I do not believe Ruth had some divine vision of the future, she allowed love to lead her. When the options for the future were limited, or even nonexistent, love helped Ruth see a next step and then a step after that.
Love has the capacity to help us align ourselves with God, and though it doesn’t necessarily provide us a step-by-step mapping of the entire journey, it can help us see the next step which is often exactly where God needs our focus, not on step 19.
As your love forever embraces me, God of the Journey, I pray for the capacity to trust your love even when the chaos of life leaves me uncertain about the future. Amen.
