The Miracle of Providence

The story of Ruth takes place over a thousand years before the birth of Jesus but this short story is the prequel to Christmas as Ruth is part of Jesus’ family tree. By looking at the book of Ruth, we get to trace hope’s path from the darkness of Ruth’s day down to the manger in Bethlehem. In chapter 1, which is filled with tragedy, we learn that God was at work in the darkness to accomplish His purposes. This is great encouragement to us. As John Piper says, “Ruth is a story for people who wonder where God is when on tragedy after another attacks their faith. It’s a story for people who wonder whether a life of integrity in tough times is worth it. And it’s a story for people who can’t imagine that anything great could ever come of their ordinary lives of faith.”