1228   A beautiful ending (Ruth 4:13-22)

It's time to wrap up the year well. We must finish strong. While beginnings are momentary, the conclusion is the final shape of the entire process. In a Christian's life, what we strive for is not the beginning but the final state—living a life that finishes well. A life well finished is one filled with gratitude and grace rather than regret or disappointment. Recently, I had a conversation with someone about this: "Another year is almost over. Time really flies." It could easily have slipped into a sense of the emptiness and loneliness of time, but we ended up sharing encouraging words. I said this one gave me strength: "We still have the afternoon of our lives left." That person also shared a phrase that moved them: "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." Both are words we need. We need positive hope for life and the ability to live naturally, without rush or strain, following the natural flow. Interestingly, both of these themes seem to be present in the Book of Ruth today. Ruth is a beloved passage for many. Though short, it offers comfort and inspiration through its story. The beginning of Ruth starts with loss, life's pain, and anxiety about the future. But it concludes with joy, restoration, and hope. So, in this final week, I hope our lives, too, can have such a beautiful ending. Then, what lessons do we need for a beautiful ending?

1. The comfort that the Book of Ruth provides is that in the life of a believer, God's comfort and restoring grace will come. 

Initially, the lives of Ruth and Naomi seemed utterly bleak. They lost their husbands and both sons.  Moreover, after living in a foreign land for about ten years, a famine struck, causing economic hardship. With their livelihood uncertain, the only path they could choose was to return to their hometown. Naomi, confessing her pitiful state to the people of her hometown, said, "I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty," blaming herself and struggling in her pain. However, no matter how empty and barren life may seem, God's grace can seep in. This is because they came to a place where grace was present. There is a scene where Ruth asks Boaz, who treated her kindly, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me?" Boaz replies, "May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Herein lies the comfort: God does not reject but cares for those who come seeking comfort and protection under the wings of His grace. Today's passage is also filled with the theme of restoring grace. Ruth marries Boaz, gives birth to a child, and Naomi becomes the child's guardian. Surrounded by congratulations from all the neighbors, Naomi likely shed tears of joy and gratitude. 

Naomi never imagined such a good day would come in her life. Her life felt utterly empty, and she didn’t know God had prepared such joy. The women of the neighborhood sing praises and rejoice with her. What we learn from the Book of Ruth is the clear truth that in the life of a believer, there is God's protection and care. No matter how difficult the current situation may be, we must not give up easily. In life, there are always opportunities and time still remaining.  “We still have the afternoon of our lives left.” God does not allow our lives to end in emptiness. Even if my life today feels empty, I must remember this: I am in the midst of a journey guided by God. Because God will fill our empty lives with abundance and lead us to a beautiful conclusion filled with joy and blessing. For those who live by faith, God ensures their life story has a happy ending. Therefore, believers must always live without losing hope.

2. A characteristic of the Book of Ruth is achieving goals without haste, but calmly and steadily. 

When people are in difficult situations, they can easily become impatient without realizing it. This impatience can lead them to pressure others or act rudely, deepening conflicts and wounds. Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. Observing nature, we see no rush or strain. Trees take time to grow, and flowers bloom in their appropriate season. Rocks and trees simply stand in their place for a long time. People often rush, wanting quick results, but nature follows its flow—passing through winter, welcoming spring, transitioning to summer, and bearing fruit in autumn. Without haste, it accomplishes everything. The Book of Ruth also shows a lack of rush. It portrays consideration for others, sincerity, and patience. This is especially evident in Boaz. In becoming Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer, he did not rush but meticulously followed all legal procedures and customs. He willingly bore the cost and sacrifice to take Ruth as his wife. Throughout this process, we see him moving calmly, without haste, while giving his best heart. There is a saying: "Sincerity toward people, wholeheartedness toward God." Both God and people are moved when the heart is fully engaged. It is about not rushing but steadily walking one’s path. Looking back later, it teaches us that we can experience a life where everything is accomplished by God’s grace.

Wrapping up a year can also bring the burden of having added another year to our lives. When we constantly compare ourselves to others, we may feel left behind. This can lead to anxiety and restlessness. But today, we need the wisdom of the Book of Ruth. It is the path of calm obedience, without rushing. Rushing with human methods does not guarantee results. A life of faith is not about anxiously striving to achieve our dreams and hopes but holding onto God’s word and walking the path calmly. If we live each given day in obedience, we will find that everything has been accomplished. 

Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." The one who guides our path is God. What we need as we bid farewell to one year and welcome another is not anxiety but walking the path of calm obedience.

Conclusion

Job 8:7 says, "Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be." The story in Ruth 4 also begins humbly but ends in prosperity. True success in life lies not in how we start, but in how we finish. Even if the beginning is difficult, a beautiful ending makes it possible to overcome all hardships. The Book of Ruth, too, started in shades of gloom but has now transformed into radiant colors—life has become beautiful.

Today, let us make Ruth 4 our own story. Each of us has empty spaces in our lives. Let us earnestly long for God’s grace to fill those voids in our lives. If we hold fast to His word and walk calmly, without anxiety, worry, or haste, He will lead our lives to a beautiful conclusion. Let us be His people, living powerfully with this hope.