The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

External Presence to Internal Power

Paula K. Graves

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May 25, 2026

In the events of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit goes from an external presence to internal power. In the Old Testament, the Spirit came selectively, often only temporarily, upon God’s people. Some examples of this are:

  • The seventy elders in the wilderness, Numbers 11:25 Then he (God) gave the seventy elders the same Spirit that was upon Moses. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But this never happened again. [1]
  •  David, 1 Sam. 16:13 Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on.[2]
  • The prophet Ezekiel, Ezekiel 2: 2 The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words.[3]

God sent the Spirit for a specific purpose for a specific time.

Jesus Promised the Spirit

John 7: 37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ ” 39 When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.[4]

Jesus entered His glory when He ascended into heaven. Mark 16: 19 When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.[5] Jesus received honor and glory for what He had done for us while on earth. He gave us the gift of salvation by willingly dying on the cross to pay the blood price we, as sinners, could never pay

The night before He was crucified, Jesus also promised the coming of the Holy Spirit. John 14: 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.[6]

The Spirit Lives Within Believers

On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to all the believers in the upper room. Acts 2: 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. [7]

As promised, the Holy Spirit came to dwell within and empower these believers. Through the outward signs of wind and fire and the gifts of tongues, the believers understood that something supernatural had happened. They had the power to witness to the world because the Spirit had transitioned from an external presence to internal power. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/pentecost-the-church-in-transition

[1-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Unity in Transition

Tom Graves

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May 24, 2026

Unity in transition is the miracle unfolding after Jesus’ ascension, in which believers find themselves between promise and fulfillment, waiting yet together. Acts 2:1On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place.[1] Before the sound of the wind filled the house and before flames of fire rested on their heads, there was unity. They were not scattered in purpose or divided in heart; they were gathered, praying, and expectant together.

The power that God would soon display did not fall on isolated individuals but on a united community. Unity prepared the way for the outpouring of the Spirit. When God’s people align their hearts, humble themselves, and seek Him together, they create space for His Spirit to move in powerful and transformative ways. There is something about unity that elevates all of us spiritually, because our focus is not on ourselves but on Christ’s mission.

Unity Helps Me Focus on the Big Picture

When the body of Christ is unified, it helps everyone stop thinking about their own needs or desires and look at the larger picture the Lord is unfolding. When a church body becomes divided, we forget the Gospel that unites us and drift, becoming motivated by our own pride. As the disciples waited, they looked to Jesus’s words, which told them to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Whatever needs or desires they had, they set them aside because they knew the most important thing was to wait as the Lord had told them.

Transitions often test the integrity of our unity. When leadership shifts, when familiar rhythms change, when prayers seem suspended between heaven and earth, it is easy to fragment. But the early believers show us another way. They did not allow the discomfort of waiting to divide them. They remained present with one another, anchored in Christ’s promise. Their unity was not passive; it was an active, faithful posture of trust in what God was about to do.

Unity in Transition Today

In our own seasons of change—new callings, unexpected endings, or uncertain beginnings—God invites us into that same kind of togetherness. Unity in transition does not deny the tension of the moment; it shows us that tension doesn’t have to separate us. When we choose to stay connected, to pray together, and to hold fast to God’s word, we create space for His Spirit to move.

Just as He met the disciples in their waiting, He meets us in ours, often transforming our most uncertain transitions into a new beginning of the season ahead. Paul offers additional insight into the importance of unity. 1 Corinthians 1:10I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.[2]

Just as the disciples, who came from diverse backgrounds such as fishermen and tax collectors, focused on their shared hope in Christ, we too are encouraged to embrace our common identity in Christ, especially during times of change. To learn more about unity in transition, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/pentecost-the-church-in-transition

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Living Between Promise and Return

Paula K. Graves

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May 23, 2026

After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples were living between promise and return. They watched Jesus ascend and disappear into the clouds. It seems they were stunned into inaction. Acts 1: 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go.[1]

The angels got their attention and then gave a promise. Someday, Jesus will return in the same way they saw Him go. They had the promise of His return but no idea when it would happen. Even so, they responded with joy. Luke 24: 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.[2]

The Time of the Already but Not Yet

Jewish theology thought the kingdom of the evil world would be replaced by the heavenly kingdom when the Messiah came. Instead, at Jesus’s coming, these two kingdoms overlapped. The “already and not yet” concept refers to the tension in which believers experience the partial fulfillment of God’s promises through Christ’s first coming, while still awaiting the complete realization of those promises at His second coming. It highlights that while Christ followers are already saved and reconciled to God, they still live in a world affected by sin and await final redemption.

The disciples had the promise of the coming Holy Spirit. Through what Jesus did on the cross, they could receive forgiveness for their sins and the promise of a new life here on earth. What’s more, they had the hope of Jesus return and His perfect Kingdom to come.

Revelation 21:1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”[3]

Our Purpose as We Wait for Jesus’ Return

Twenty centuries later, we are still waiting for Jesus’s public return. There are many theories about how and when Jesus will publicly return. But no matter when or exactly how He returns, there can be a private return time when we die.

Yet all believers through the ages have been given the same purpose as the first disciples. We are to go and make disciples so that all will know Jesus. Our lives are gifts to be used to glorify Jesus and to live for Him. Jesus has given us the promise of salvation and has work for us to do. Ephesians 2: 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [4] Let us find lives of purpose as we go on living between promise and return. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/ascension-jesus-and-the-disciples-in-transition

[1-4 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The King Who Still Leads

Paula K. Graves

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May 22, 2026

Even though Jesus returned to heaven, He is still the King who still leads. Luke tells us where Jesus ascended and that He blessed the disciples as He left. Luke 24: 50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven [1]

The Gospel of Mark adds another detail. Mark 16: 19 When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.[2] Jesus receives honor because He was willing to suffer and die for us so that we, as believers, can receive a restored life here on earth and forever in heaven.

Jesus as High Priest

A priest acts as a mediator between humans and God. Jesus, as God and man, is the ideal priest and intercedes for us as He sits on His throne. Hebrews 4: 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. [3]

It is significant that Mark’s account states that Jesus sat down in honor. In the Old Testament, the priests were not allowed to sit because their work was never done. In contrast, Jesus completed His work.

Hebrew 10: 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. [4]

Jesus as King

In His ascension, Jesus physically left this earth, and the disciples would no longer be able to walk and talk with Him like they had during His ministry. But Jesus still rules with authority from heaven because He is worthy. Revelation 5: 12 And they (angels) sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” [5]

The work He accomplished on earth gives Jesus the authority to rule, and He is the King who still leads. Ephesians 1: 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.[6]

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/ascension-jesus-and-the-disciples-in-transition

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Called to Go and Tell the Gospel

Paula K. Graves

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May 21, 2026

Just before ascending back to heaven, Jesus gave His followers a mission. They were called to go and tell the Gospel. Acts 1: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.[1]

These are the last recorded words of Jesus on this earth and thus have great importance. The rest of the book of Acts tells how Jesus’ followers carried out this directive. Jesus’ instructions were not just for the first-century believers. These instructions continue to guide us as we serve Jesus today.

A Vision Statement for the Church

Jesus had instituted the New Covenant the night before He was crucified. For Jesus’ death and resurrection was the pivot point for God’s followers. God’s mission was to be carried out by those who know Christ and listen to Him. That includes you and me!

But, thankfully, we don’t have to do this enormous task on our own. Jesus had promised the gift of the Holy Spirit multiple times during His ministry. Now, Jesus explained that it will be through the power of the Holy Spirit that believers can carry out this task. This is the same Spirit that guided Jesus in His ministry and soon would come to live in believers’ hearts.

Today, we often think that presenting the Gospel to the world should be left to professionals in full-time ministry. But that is not what Jesus commanded. He said we are to be witnesses. A witness tells what one has seen or heard, not hearsay, but what they have experienced. Basically, Jesus tells us to tell others what we know.

We can trust the Holy Spirit to give us the boldness and insight to do this. Jesus had given this promise earlier. Luke 12: 11 “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” [2]

Ripples on a Pond

Jesus told the disciples and us to start where we are. They were to start in Jerusalem and move out in ever-widening circles until the whole earth had heard the Gospel. The Book of Acts demonstrates this progression. Acts chapter 2-8 tells us of the spread of the Gospel in Jerusalem itself. Then, due to persecution, many believers left Jerusalem and took the message of Jesus with them to Judea and Samaria. Later, Paul took the Gospel farther and finally to Rome (Acts 13-28).

As we tell what we know about Jesus to those we know, they, in turn, can do the same. The task can seem daunting, but we have the promise of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Spirit guided the early believers, He continues to guide the church today. The Spirit is the power that gives us courage, boldness, confidence, and insight as we give witness of Jesus to those who don’t know Him. We all are called to go and tell the Gospel. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/ascension-jesus-and-the-disciples-in-transition

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

God Reframed the Disciples’ Expectations

Tom Graves

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May 20, 2026

God reframed the disciples’ expectations as Jesus answered their questions before His ascension. Acts 1:6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.[1]

The question the disciples asked reveals their lingering assumptions of a political kingdom. It demonstrated the need for the Holy Spirit to bring spiritual clarity. The typical Jew of Jesus’ time eagerly anticipated the Messiah’s literal, earthly kingdom. They were expecting the return of the nation’s former wealth and military strength under King David. Throughout his ministry with the disciples, Jesus taught extensively about this coming kingdom.

When Jesus told the disciples about the Spirit’s coming, they were even more likely to believe the kingdom was near. However, the kingdom Jesus referred to was primarily a “spiritual” kingdom formed within the hearts and lives of believers. God’s purposes are often larger and wiser than our expectations, whether in the disciples’ time or ours. Faith grows when we trust God’s plan more than our preferred outcomes.

Trusting the Father’s Plan

The disciples asked Jesus about when He would restore the kingdom of Israel. Like many other Jews, they resented Roman occupation and hoped Jesus would liberate Israel and then reign as king. Jesus answered that God’s timing for all events—worldwide, national, and personal—is determined by the Father.

If you are waiting for changes God has not yet made, be patient rather than rushing. Trust in God’s timing, remembering that He is wise, divine, and all-powerful. Even amid chaos, He remains in control. In the end, He will accomplish His perfect will. Trusting God’s timing often involves letting go of our need for immediate results. By recognizing His wisdom and sovereignty, we see that He understands the bigger picture and knows what is best for us.

When we rely on His timing, we let go of anxiety and cultivate patience, trusting that He will fulfill His promises at the right moment. His faithfulness and love characterize God’s timing. He orchestrates all things for our benefit (Romans 8:28), even during delays or times of silence. His timing prepares us, shapes our character, and arranges circumstances for His glory and our ultimate good.

God’s Plan Often Reframes Our Expectations

Just as God reframed the disciples’ expectations, He often reframes our expectations. God’s plans are always bigger and have a greater impact than we envision, which is why His plans often unfold only through His intervention.

Until God drew me into full-time ministry, I was content with a very different occupation. In retrospect, God’s plan for my life was far bigger and different from what I envisioned. Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit came and opened the disciples’ eyes to God’s plans in a way unlike what they had expected. We are fortunate as believers that God continues to guide us by the Holy Spirit as He unfolds His plan for our lives.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/ascension-jesus-and-the-disciples-in-transition

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 1:6–7). Tyndale House Publishers.

Wait for the Power of the Holy Spirit

Tom Graves

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May 19, 2026

Jesus commanded His followers to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit before He ascended into heaven. Jesus emphasized the importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit rather than rushing ahead. Luke 24:49And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven. [1]

Although the account in Acts is similar, it provides more detail on His timing and the distinction between John’s baptism and that of the Holy Spirit. Acts1:4 Once when Jesus was eating with them, He commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” [2]

Waiting is not inactivity but trustful obedience. God’s work requires God’s power, not human urgency. The Holy Spirit comes at the right time, not on our timetable.

Waiting on God’s Timing

Waiting on God’s timing is challenging and requires God’s strength to avoid rushing ahead. God called the disciples to be Jesus’ witnesses, but they had to wait for the Holy Spirit to baptize them.

While John’s water baptism symbolized repentance and commitment to God’s will, Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit marked a new spiritual beginning. John’s baptism did not give salvation; it prepared a person to welcome the coming Messiah and receive his message and his baptism.

Matthew 3:11 I (John) baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.[3]

Waiting is Part of Transition

 The disciples had been with Jesus for three years, and now, after His death and resurrection, He was about to ascend to heaven. Before His ascension, He told them to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, which was part of the transition they were experiencing. When Jesus was with them, they were being discipled; now, they would transition to becoming those who discipled others. To carry out such a sacred task, the disciples had to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and so they waited. 

If Jesus had stayed on earth, his physical presence would have limited the spread of the Gospel, as He could be in only one place at a time. After ascending to heaven, Jesus would be spiritually present everywhere through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would come alongside them—bringing comfort, guiding them into truth, recalling Jesus’ words, placing the right words on their lips, and filling them with power. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/ascension-jesus-and-the-disciples-in-transition

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Witnesses to God’s Saving Work

Tom Graves

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May 18, 2026

Witnesses to God’s saving work were essential to the early church’s spread of the Gospel. Their witness was a message that transformed lives. This mission began just before the ascension, when Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and prepared them to proclaim the good news.

Luke 24:46 And Jesus said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things. [1]

Jesus helped them understand that the cross wasn’t just an unfortunate obstacle to get past. Instead, it was the key to God’s plan to save humanity. It’s through the name of our crucified and risen Savior that repentance and forgiveness of sins could come to everyone in the world.

Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins

Repentance and forgiveness of sins are deeply personal, yet God did not mean them to remain private. At the heart of the Christian faith is a turning away from sin and a joyful trust in God’s forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer echoes these truths. Yet these gifts carry wider significance. They form a mission that can reshape lives and communities, which is why Jesus calls us to be witnesses of the Gospel.

 When we hear the word “witness,” we often think of courtrooms or police questioning—someone testifying to determine guilt or innocence. In the life of faith, however, a witness is something different. To be a witness is to share our story: to testify to what we have seen and experienced of God’s love, justice, and forgiveness in our lives, our relationships, and our community. Each of us has a story to tell, and together those stories proclaim the Gospel to the world—stories with the power to transform lives.

God Uses Ordinary People

 God chooses ordinary people like us to share His saving message. Being a vessel of God’s love and telling others about Jesus are gifts He gives. You may worry that you don’t have what it takes, or assume others are better suited. You might feel too ordinary or not good enough. But take heart—God specializes in using ordinary people, just as He did with the disciples.

Whether your gifts feel great or small, what matters most is your willingness. When you make yourself available, God supplies the power, and the good news is He is already at work. At the heart of working with God is the truth that He is always pursuing humanity. There is nowhere you can go where God is not already present. There is no one you can speak to whom God does not already see, love relentlessly, and have beautiful plans for.

 Sharing God’s heart begins and ends with grace. His grace empowers us to step beyond ourselves and love others. By grace, He pursues us, even in our sin. Grace sent Jesus to the cross so that we might have salvation through Him, and it is by grace that we receive this free gift.

To learn how believers are witnesses to God’s saving work, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/ascension-jesus-and-the-disciples-in-transition

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 24:46–48). Tyndale House Publishers.

Jesus Opened Their Minds

Tom Graves

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May 17, 2026

Jesus opened their minds, giving us insight into how dependent we are on God to understand His Word. As Jesus prepared to ascend into heaven, He began to prepare the disciples for a new season of ministry by giving them greater insight into the Word of God.

Luke 24: 44 Then Jesus said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.[1] The Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms collectively represent the whole Old Testament. Essentially, every part of the Old Testament highlights the coming of the Messiah.

For instance, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 mentions Jesus’ role as a prophet. Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 anticipate His sufferings. Psalm 16:9-11 and Isaiah 53:10-11 foretold Jesus’ resurrection. I can only imagine the awe these believers must have felt as they began to understand the Scriptures more deeply. 

We, Too, Need Our Minds Opened

I believe we have all come across parts of the Scriptures that weren’t clear or even caused confusion. Although that can be frustrating, it shouldn’t make us think we’re incapable of understanding them. Jesus gave us the Word to speak life and hope into us daily. His purpose remains the same, and we must realize it’s possible to experience it.

As believers and disciples today, we need the Holy Spirit to help open our hearts to His words. There have been many times when I read God’s word that a word or verse suddenly jumps off the page with new understanding. Where did that understanding come from? It was the work of the Holy Spirit, and perhaps you have experienced something similar.

God Opens Our Minds for a Greater Purpose

 God always has a greater purpose for us as we grow in His word than we can understand. When God opens our hearts, He does so with a purpose. In one way, He wants us to grow in our relationship with Him, and in another, He wants us to have a greater impact on the Kingdom of God. The disciples had a greater purpose than they understood at the time, and to fulfill it, they needed a deeper understanding of God’s word.

In many ways, we, too, have a greater purpose in life than we realize, and when God opens our minds, it is another step toward fulfilling God’s plans for our lives. You may feel unloved, and God gives you greater insight into how much He loves you. Just knowing that God loves us can be life-changing and set us on a new path.

As we grow in God’s love, we want to share it with others so they, too, can experience the love of Jesus. Transitions in life can come at unexpected times, and when they do, don’t be surprised if the Lord gives us a deeper understanding of His word that speaks to our circumstances. When this happens, we see our lives placed within God’s larger story.

To learn more about how Jesus opened their minds, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/ascension-jesus-and-the-disciples-in-transition

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 24:44–45). Tyndale House Publishers.

God is Still Working When Life Feels Empty

Paula K. Graves

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May 16, 2026

God is still working when life feels empty and even when we are unaware that He is with us. Naomi returned to Bethlehem, overwhelmed by the loss of her husband and sons. She openly admitted her bitterness. Her name, Naomi, means “pleasant” in Hebrew. She knew her life was no longer pleasant because of her losses, so she wanted to be called Mara, or bitter.

Ruth 1:19 So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked.

20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?” [1]

Complaining Against God

The problem of Naomi’s suffering is the driving force of the book of Ruth. The dialogue between the women of Bethlehem and Naomi demonstrates this. Never in the text does it suggest that God initiated or caused Naomi’s pain. Unfortunately, some will say that misfortune in life means that God is judging one for sin. While there are consequences for poor decisions, we don’t want to assume that God’s judgment is behind all tragedy.

There are times when vocalizing our raw emotions can be healing. Scripture is full of lament, or a heartfelt cry to God when we are overwhelmed. One-third of the Psalms express lament. There is a whole book of Lamentations in the Old Testament. These writings express deep grief and often include a plea for God’s help and a declaration of trust in His faithfulness.

Psalm 44: 23 Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Get up! Do not reject us forever. 24 Why do you look the other way? Why do you ignore our suffering and oppression?… 26 Rise up! Help us! Ransom us because of your unfailing love. [2] It is comforting to know that God does hear our prayers of lament, and this can help lead us closer to Him.

Hope to Come

Even though Naomi is suffering, we don’t want to miss how God is working behind the scenes to restore her. Naomi wasn’t entirely empty. She was back home among friends in the spring of the year. The end of chapter one gives a subtle hint of what is to come. Ruth 1: 22 So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest.[3]

It was spring, and the barley harvest allowed Ruth to glean food for the two of them. This act led her to the fields of a man named Boaz. He noticed Ruth’s work ethic and commented that Ruth was better to Naomi than seven sons. (Ruth 4:15) Boaz acted as a kinsman-redeemer. This is a close male relative who is responsible for helping a family member in need, by redeeming property or marrying a widow to preserve the family line.

Boaz married Ruth, and they had a son named Obed. This brought great joy to Naomi. The child became the grandfather of King David, and Jesus would be a descendant of that line. We can see from this that God is still working when life feels empty. Even when we might not be able to see our way forward, we can trust God. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-transition-is-difficult

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers

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