“Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own.” 4:16

I love this beautiful, happy ending we get of Naomi and Ruth. Think of how the story started. Naomi was not only widowed, but lost her sons and was, according to the culture at the time, worthless. She was so heartbroken, she wanted to change her name to Bitter. “I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty.”

And now, the book ends with her more filled up than she could’ve ever imagined. Instead of starving, she’s fed. Instead of widowed and childless, she’s snuggling her new grandson. Instead of her family ending, it’s continuing (and continuing and continuing and continuing until Jesus!).

Sometimes life empties you out. You are at the bottom and things are very, very dark. Where is God? Why has he let this happen? Why is he allowing us to suffer so much? (1:21)

The short book of Ruth offers us a glimpse into the redemption God offers through his gospel. He is our family Redeemer. He is Boaz; filling our growling stomachs with rich food, providing security and making unqualified people part of his royal family.

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Take heart! This is our story too.

-Carly