Ruth- a story with a happy ending

Ruth is one of my favourite books of the bible. Partly, of course, because it is all about women. But partly because it is a short, simple story full of ordinary people coping with the sadnesses that their lives bring them. It is a story of such truth and honesty, that it does not need the theological density of Romans, the poetry and beauty of Psalms or the dazzling apocalyptic imagery of Revelation to speak of God- instead, it speaks His name and His character in the actions and character of His people.

It is a story about seed-time, and harvest; travelling, and finding a home; sons and daughters; emptiness and fullness. It might be a particularly important story to tell at this point in history, with its themes of immigration, of migrant workers, of a community who accepts and provides for a foreigner among them.

This weekend, I encourage you to find some time to read the book of Ruth. It is a short story, only 4 chapters long, which can be read in less than half an hour. But it is stories like these that we need to hear, and need to tell, if we are to learn the importance of cultivating character. We need to hear and dwell in places of trust, courage, loyalty and redemption, to soak our souls in narratives of a good way of life. So much of what is presented to us as entertainment offers us a bleak dystopian vision of life and relationships, with little that is good or hopeful. The book of Ruth ends with what was imaginable at the start of the story- a baby, cradled in his grandmother's arms, and destined to become the ancestor of King David. This is truly a happy ending.

Images from "Who Are You, My Daughter? Reading Ruth Through Image and Text" illustrated by Margaret Adams Parker  2003