It Wasn’t All Bad …

The book of Ruth shows us that the time of the Judges wasn’t all bad. In the midst of some terrible goings-on there are a few bright lights, people behaving with compassion, loyalty and gentleness. Ruth and Boaz are two of these people. Notice how the law, as followed by Boaz in this story, serves to protect the poor and vulnerable, in this case the widowed Naomi and Ruth. Notice also how God is working through people who are in many ways quite ordinary to achieve his long-term goals for the nation and, ultimately, the world. Ruth and Boaz both appear in the genealogy at the beginning of Matthew’s gospel, as ancestors of David and then Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

Over in John’s gospel, Ruth and Boaz’ descendant Jesus is encountering a succession of people with various needs and attitudes. But at the heart of each encounter is one question: will they believe in him? The theme of belief / unbelief is central to John’s gospel, as is the idea of testimony or witness. What will it take for people to believe? What is credible evidence? Who are credible witnesses? And for those who live after Jesus has returned to the heavens, do you have to see in order to believe, or is the witness of John’s gospel enough? To see where all this is heading, look at 21:24-31.