Even During the Time of the Judges

During the time of the judges there was a famine in the land. A man left Bethlehem in Judah with his wife and two sons to stay in the territory of Moab for a while. (Ruth 1:1)

It was the worst of times. Famine deprived the people of food. Foreign powers invaded from without, while corruption reigned within. Civil war nearly wiped out lineages. Religious apostasy and moral relativism molded entire cities into the images of idols such as homosexuality, gang rape, and murder.

You might think this picture describes twenty-first century America, but it refers to Israel during the time of the judges. This period was probably the darkest in Israel’s history. The people continually abandoned God, so God continually deployed a host of disasters against them, attempting to turn them back to himself.

If you were one of God’s faithful people during this time, it would be easy to lose hope. You might ask, “Would God cast his people off forever? Was God still working to redeem the world? Would God provide for you and your family?” Perhaps you ask yourself these questions today because of similar circumstances in the world, or a personal tragedy. What hope do you have?

Like a bright silver thread woven through a black tapestry, the story of Ruth shines with quiet, unexpected hope for the darkest times. The story of Ruth occurred “during the time of the judges” (Ruth 1:1). We know this was a time of apostasy and punishment because “there was a famine in the land.”

Even then, God didn’t abandon his plan of redemption for the world. Even when he sent his people famine, God was not done with them. Even during the time of the judges, God faithfully preserved a family that would give rise to King David and, ultimately, King Jesus.

God’s work during this time was quiet, unexpected, and sovereign; but this is how God often works. He glorifies himself by displaying his sovereign ability to bring the highest good out of the deepest darkness in unexpected ways.

Out of Israel’s rebellion and Elimelech’s decision to move his family, God brought the salvation of a pagan Moabitess. Out of two widows’ destitution, God brought abundant provision through a relative’s kindness. Out of the empty, bitter-tasting loss of husbands and sons, God brought a family redeemer who restored joy to Naomi and Ruth. Out of that humble family, God brought a king who restored right worship to Israel. And out of that sinful royal line, God brought the Messiah.

God worked the same way in the life of that Messiah. Jesus was born when God’s people were ruled by a pagan empire and led by religious hypocrites. He spent thirty years as a perfectly loving son, brother, and carpenter before beginning his public ministry. And through the worst sin in history, God used the murder of his Son to provide salvation for the world.

Does that give you hope? If you feel like you live in the time of the judges, let Ruth’s story give you hope.

Do you despair because of societal collapse around you? Trust that God will ultimately bring eternal good out of this darkness.

Do you fear because of corrupt political leaders? Trust that God is still on his throne, providentially weaving every detail of history into his tapestry.

Do you worry because of financial problems or a health diagnosis? Trust that God will care for you and use your suffering as part of his beautiful plan.

Even during the time of the judges, God was working. And even during your times of darkness, God is working. Trust him, stay faithful, and find hope.

Reflection Questions

Where do you look for hope in times of darkness?
How can you look for God’s often-unnoticed work in your life?
How can you join God in that work?
What can you do to strengthen your faith that God is in control, even when everything seems contrary to his reign?
What other examples can you think of where God turned a seemingly hopeless situation into an unexpectedly good situation?
How can you use these truths to strengthen someone else’s faith, encourage them, and give them hope?

Prayer

Heavenly, Father, I come to you through Jesus, the gracious Savior you sent through Ruth’s family. Thank you that even in the time of the judges, you were quietly working to bring good out of evil in unexpected ways. Help me to trust that even in my times of darkness, you are sovereignly working all things for my good and your glory. Give me eyes of faith to see your work. Amen.