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The Book of Ruth appears where it does in our Bibles because its heroine is an ancestor of King David, whose story is told in the following books of 1 and 2 Samuel. It tells of an Israelite woman, Naomi, who marries a Moabite man and goes to live in his country. They have two sons who marry local Moabite women. But soon Naomi loses her husband and both sons in death, and she decides to return home to Israel. One daughter-in-law, Ruth although a Moabitess, decides to follow Naomi and serve her needs, even though she would be far from her own people.

I hope you will be sufficiently tantalized by hearing the first chapter of this delightful narrative that you will want to read the remaining three and find out how the story ends. My purpose here, however, is to emphasize the uncertainty facing the two women as they embarked on their journey.

Paul in prison faces a similarly uncertain future. At the time that he writes to the community at Philippi, he does not know whether or not a sentence of death against him will be handed down. He is not afraid of death. On the contrary, he expresses "a desire to depart, and to be with Christ" (Philippians 1:23), which is "far better" for him personally than to remain alive. But he realizes that his work on earth is not yet done, and therefore expresses his confidence that he will "continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith." Amazingly, the prisoner in chains seems to be claiming that he, not the judges, will determine his fate.

Ben Franklin once said that "nothing is certain except death and taxes." Today we have to face uncertainty not only in our individual lives but even regarding our future as a civilization. After 9/11 we know that there is an inexhaustible supply of dedicated fanatics which are determined, in the name of God, to destroy our way of life. And as we become more aware of the gross disparity in the world between the "haves," to which we belong, and the vast majority of "have nots," we are beginning to have doubts about the life style which we used to consider our inalienable right.

In the face of uncertainty the only way to carry on is to have on inner compass which keeps us on track, whatever may be going on around us, and this compass is faith.
We do not know the future, either our own individual future or the future of our world, but we know, in Paul’s words, "that all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28).

One of the great expressions of faith in the face of uncertainty is John Henry Newman’s poem, "Lead, kindly light," which has become a beloved hymn. The uncertainties which Newman faced in the 19th century Church of England led him to choose the certainties of the Church of Rome. But for all of us this poem expresses the state of mind which today, more than ever, is necessary, if we are to live our lives with integrity and peace.

Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead thou me on.
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead thou me on.
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

September 22, 2002

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