The Old Testament book of Ruth is a story. What makes stories good? Relatable characters, an engaging setting, rising and falling tension. All things you might have covered in middle school English classes.
Another narrative device that’s often used to spice up a story is the surprise reveal. Such a reveal hardly ever occurs at or near the beginning of a story, because then it would just be part of the exposition. Sometimes it comes at the end of the story, and in that case it reframes the entire story up to that point. Other times the surprise doesn’t even come until another installment in the saga!
The story of Ruth contains elements of both these kinds of narrative surprises. Some foreshadowing is apparent right from the start, but it’s not until the genealogy at the end of the story that you realize just how significant this love story is: the mundane happenings of family relocations, loyalty amid great turmoil, harvest, and more all led to the birth of Christ centuries later.
And this is true for your life, too: the significance of what God is doing in and through us is often hidden from us, but because God has chosen you in Christ, he's thereby also chosen each one of you for his grand purposes.
And one day, better and sweeter than any plot twist we know of, we’ll see how God did amazing and glorious things through each one of you.
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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.
Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org
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