Hunger and harvest, shortage and abundance—God is in them all
By Dean Collins
The grand drama of Scripture has recorded famines as far back as Genesis. Shortly after we meet Abram in Genesis 12, as he journeyed from Haran toward Negeb, we learn of a famine. The result was a redirection to Egypt because of the severity of the shortage. Issac had a similar experience in Genesis 26. This famine led Issac to Gerar, the land of the Phillistines. God told Issac not to go to Egypt but to stay in Gerar, and there he restated the blessing first given to Issac.
The story of Joseph includes the most dramatic famine of Genesis. In a dream Joseph learns of seven years of famine to come. God used Joseph to care for his family and other nations.
Tough times, God’s grace
When we get to the book of Ruth, we read of a famine that prompted Elimelech and Naomi to sojourn in Moab in order to survive. Famine equals tough times. But time and time again, even in the midst of extreme scarcity, we see God’s grace and ultimate provision.
Famine often prompts movement in a search for survival. Hungry people look for food. Even in a town called “house of bread,” there were seasons of scarcity. Elimelech left Bethlehem to find food for his family in Moab. Apparently they found food, but his wife, Naomi, also found much sorrow. It was in Moab that her husband died, and later her two sons died there as well.
When we experience tough times, we often feel forgotten. It is not unusual to believe that no one understands the depth of our pain and suffering. Hunger and grief can be overwhelming to the body and soul. When we run low on emotional or financial resources, it’s easy to wonder, Where is God in this moment of need?
Hard experiences, God’s presence
The short book of Ruth is a story of God’s providence. Was it rumors of the harvest that drew Naomi back to Bethlehem? Was it the memory of harvest that prompted her journey back? Was it a whisper from God that it was time to move on? Maybe one of these and maybe all of them were used by God to set up his provision. We almost never know what God is stirring up for us in our moments of desperation. But over and over we see in Scripture and we watch in our lives that God does not and will never abandon us.
Famines are devastatingly hard. Yet God will meet us in the barrenness. And sometimes, probably often, God wants those of us not experiencing famine to be his hands and feet and even his delivery service to provide for others in their season of need. God would use Boaz to provide for Naomi and for Ruth.
Famine and harvest, God’s provision
The longer we live the more acutely we become aware that every day there is someone in famine and another who is in a season of harvest. God’s love is alive and pregnant with provision in each of these moments. Will we respond to those in need with the loyalty and determination of Ruth? Will we pay attention and respond with grace like Boaz? Will we listen to know when to stay put or when to move like Naomi? There is plenty of bread for everyone. God has not forgotten you or anyone else. But he might be waiting for our willingness to participate with him in extending his Kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven.
Father, thank you for your love in every season. Thank you for examples in Scripture and in our lives of your kindness and provision. We open our hearts to you and ask that you show us when and where you want to use us to bless another in their season of need today. May we love and share both the bread of life and the resources we have with others today. In Jesus name, amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Ruth 1:1-5, 22; 2:1-5, 8-14, 20 ESV
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