"Where You Go, I Will Go" - Sermon for October 13, 2019

The old expression, "You don't know what you have until it's gone," may apply to many people, but some folks just know how to hold on. As Rev. Jenn describes to us today, there are countless things in our lives that we can't control. But we can control how we love, and how we respond to each other - graciously and with commitment. In the story of Ruth and Naomi, their tragic and unexpected circumstances would lead Naomi to bitterness at her loss and isolation. But Ruth would not let her go. Her vows to cling to Naomi sealed a new relationship that had no immediate or clear advantage for Ruth. This fierce faithfulness is not often seen in humanity, but it is a reflection of the faithfulness that God has for us. For even if we don't cling to God, God - in true divine love - clings always to each one of us. Rev. Jenn shows us that God will go where we go, God will live where we live - even if it is in loss, fear, anger or hopelessness - to show the love of God that never lets go. (Bible reading - Ruth 1:1-17, NRSV)