EMPTINESS

Emptiness is when something gets poured out, used up or consumed. I know there have been many times when I felt this way inside. It is when, like Naomi in the book of Ruth says, “I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty.” She further said to no longer call her Naomi (which means pleasant), but to call her Mara (which means bitter). She had good reason for her pain. She had lost her husband and her two sons, her livelihood and her place in a tribe.

And just like Naomi, it is very difficult to start over when one is this empty and broken. It seems like, “What’s the use…what difference does it make.” This is the way of emptiness.

We know from reading the whole story that things do turn out OK for Naomi and her daughter-in-laws Ruth and Orpah. Orpah goes back home to her family and Ruth stays with Naomi. They are all empty.

The entrance of a distant relative of Naomi’s husband becomes the one to fill what is empty. He is what’s called a ‘kinsman’s redeemer’ and his name is Boaz. He eventually fills all that’s been emptied in Naomi and Ruth. He is a type and shadow of the Redeemer.
When we are empty… we need a redeemer.

“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Jesus