Grace beyond our Graves

We begin a series in the Book of Ruth this Sunday by considering the first chapter — Ruth 1:1-22. Like Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, things in our lives leave us actually bitter at times (v. 20). However, because the Lord gives us news of grace (vv. 6-7), we embrace the way to life he provides (vv. 16-17). From what we see in the opening of this account, we note that 1) we are given grace when forced to return home (vv. 19-20); 2) we are given grace when we become aware of our need (v. 21). While the story of Ruth winds up in Bethlehem with its connotations, it is important to note where it began.