The Hope of Overmorrow: Tomorrow

Beloved People of God,

I think Mark Twain was right when he said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” The little book of Ruth is driven by kindness. Amid famine, decimation, and loss, the whisper of kindness soothes deafened ears. In the clashing cymbals of time, when the cacophony of anxiety and worry flood our vision, kindness reveals the movement of God’s invisible hand.

To paraphrase Nietzsche, an enduring kindness in the same direction is transformative. Where Naomi was left embittered by past pain, kindness led her into renewed freedom for today. Where Ruth, a young widow was left caring for her devastated mother-in-law, kindness led her into a renewed assurance for the future. Where we have been is not permanent. It’s where we are, but it doesn’t have to be where our story ends. Kindness, born from the love of God into our lives and relationships, transforms our doubt and despair into renewed hope for eternity.

This week, be inspired by the kindness that transformed Naomi’s life. In the first chapter she was blinded by her loss, unable to escape the shroud of bitterness that consumed her past. In the second chapter, she was semi-conscious as Ruth went out to provide for them in their present poverty. But in the third chapter, Naomi was the one looking to the future. Kindness rekindled the fire in her eyes. Transformed by kindness, Naomi told Ruth, “Wash, put on perfume, get dressed in your best clothes and go” (Ruth 3.3-4a). Naomi was inspired to hope again by the enduring kindness of those around her. May the same be said of us.

For His Name’s Sake,

Brett