As the drama of Ruth unfolds, Naomi packs up to leave Moab and return home.  As she does, she must say goodbye to her beloved daughters-in-law, one of whom refuses to leave her and declares her loving loyalty to Naomi.  Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem and Naomi is welcomed home, but reports that she should no longer be called pleasant (the meaning of Naomi) but instead bitter or Mara. This is where Act 1 of our drama concludes in a dark place of emptiness and brokenness.  Hardships, trials and suffering can have this affect on anyone; but as believers, we have a hope and confidence that must surpass the hurt of trials. 

The book of Ruth recounts the faithfulness of God in a time of incredible unfaithfulness to God. The people of God were defined by their sinfulness in the concluding statement of the book of Judges, In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him. It is during this time, that the lives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz are lived out. Despite the wickedness of the day, God is faithful and still at work to fulfill his promises to his people.  God uses a foreign woman, a depressed and bitter widow and an average man to add names to the promise of a coming Messiah, a redeemer. Both Matthew and Luke reference Boaz and Ruth in the genealogical line of Jesus. In our darkest hour, we can still trust that our great and gracious God is at work and he will absolutely accomplish his purpose and fulfill his word to his people. 

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!