Big Story in the Little Story

Picking up "in the days when the judges ruled," the book of Ruth tells
the story of Naomi, the Moabite widow Ruth, and the farmer Boaz.
The four chapters of the book are each designed with intentional
symmetry. The first and last chapters reflect how loyalty turned this
story of tragedy and death into a story of joy and birth. The inner
chapters show how Naomi and Ruth make a plan, followed by an
encounter between Ruth and Boaz, followed by Naomi and Ruth
rejoicing.

Curiously, God is hardly mentioned in the book of Ruth. At a time
when we look for God to be active through a judge or king, God
instead works out his will through the everyday faithfulness of his
people. This faithfulness not only benefits Naomi and her family but
goes on to bless the world through the family of David, the line from
which the Messiah would eventually come.

It's time for our 2nd quarter reading plan. If you're reading the Bible along with us, we've taken a break for Palm Sunday and Easter, but will resume with the Love this Book series on April 19. 

2nd Quarter Reading Plan