Jars of Clay…redemption

Now Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

Ruth 1:3-5

And so, somewhere between bargaining and acceptance (Kubler-Ross yesterday) I got to thinking: how in the world did the folks of yesteryear handle their crises? 

The story of Ruth and Naomi is a classic. It all began in the days when the judges ruled (Ruth 1:1), a dark time for Israel. Eugene Peterson (introduction to Judges, MSG) calls it “nearly unrelieved mayhem”: Everyone did as he saw fit (Judges 17:6, 21:25). 

As if “unrelieved mayhem” were not enough, there was a famine in the land (Ruth 1:1). There was little food. Have you ever been without food? I remember a mission trip to Belize, stuck in the jungle, no stores, and supplies running low. Losing ten pounds was a bonus; hunger was not. Even today you may be worried that your favorite food is not on the grocery shelves or there will be no more toilet paper.

And so Elimelech took his little family to live for a while in the country of Moab (1:1). Sounds like a good plan, doesn’t it? Especially when we learn that the names of his two boys are translated sickly (Mahlon) and puny (Kilion). But to Moab of all places. God called Moab “my washpot” (Psalm 108:9)—otherwise translated garbage can. 

Dad dies, the two boys marry Moabite women (a real no-no), both boys die. All is lost. But then begins the process of redemption. Naomi hears of the famine ending and returns home with one of her daughters-in-law, Ruth, who had caught a glimpse of God: Your people will be my people and your God my God (1:16).  

Think about it, God may seem far away in this crisis we are in, but as certain as He was hovering over the life of both Naomi and Ruth, He watches over you. Ruth went to the fields to glean the leftovers for her and Naomi. It just so happened to be the field of a kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. Boaz stepped up to the plate, married Ruth, and their first son was Obed, the grandfather of David.  

God sent our redeemer, Jesus, to live in our jars of clay. He cares about redeeming that inner joy inside your fractured jars today, as He redeemed the joy of Naomi and Ruth. Expect it.    

Nancy P