Ruth had a difficult life perhaps even caring for her husband until his death. Ruth was a woman who had experienced hardship. As a result she was not uncomfortable going into the unknown. Her past difficulty had equipped her to stay the course.
It may seem crazy but, after I finished the Book of Leviticus, I realized that God put humanity out of Eden and allowed the Israelites to be enslaved for 430 years in Egypt because he loved them. I believe that the ability to truly appreciate God’s love requires knowing what it means to live without it.
The Israelites found themselves distant from God because they could not live with one another in love. Egypt, Canaan, Shem and their descendants were all brothers and cousins. The rules of Exodus reveal how calloused and hard-hearted Israel had become.
The wilderness is a reflection of God’s love because the result of our commitment, discipline, faith and submission is power. When we embrace our identity and pursue God’s purpose in humble submission he makes us powerful over our enemies.
