My first car was a 1980 ‘Vette coupe.  No, it was not that kind of ‘Vette!  It was a Chevette not a Corvette.  It was pearl white.  And had a sunroof and a premium aftermarket sound system which some good citizen of Due West, SC relocated to their own vehicle.  It was powered, if powered is the right word, by a 1.6L, 4 cylinder engine.  To make it up steep hills, passengers had to execute a kipping motion to add the necessary momentum. 

My ‘Vette had a 12-gallon gas tank, which due to my limited college student resources, was rarely filled.  Despite its slight stature, it could only muster a modest 19 MPG.  And though the average price of gasoline in 1984 was only $0.88 per gallon, I could rarely fill the tank before making the 138 mile trip home for the weekend.  $7 was just enough to coast in on fumes so long as there were no unexpected traffic snarls on the Atlanta freeways.

Like the prodigal’s dad, my dad would be pacing the driveway with his pipe as I arrived.  After welcoming me home with a hug, his first question was “how much money do you have?”  I assured him that I had close to a dollar.   “And how much gas?”  “Not even below ‘E’” I would respond proudly. 

And then commenced the ‘dad-lecture’ about contingencies and wisdom and preparation and foolish youth!  A lecture which I learned well and now can reproduce in various forms for my own children.  But my father’s exhortation would always end with him slipping me $20 to fill my wallet and my tank.

Love delights to fill up what is empty.  It is stressful and soul-wearying to be empty.  When life has not met expectations.  When what we love is taken from us.  Or what we hoped never materializes.  When life is filled with pain, we feel a profound void.  An emptiness that brings fear, anger, resentment, bitterness, depression, hopelessness.  The Psalms are filled with faith’s plaintive cries from the bottom of miry pits.

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day? – Psalm 13:1-2

And in the opening chapter of Ruth, Naomi expresses the pain of emptiness.

And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. – Ruth 1:19-21

But Ruth is a love story within a love story.  Ruth’s love for Naomi and Boaz’ love for Ruth is grounded in the steadfast, enduring love of the Lord for Naomi, Ruth, Boaz and us.  Emptiness is not the last word.  Grace always fills up the empty places opened by the unfolding plans and purposes of a sovereign God.

The Covenant God, who thus far in Ruth, has been offstage, always in the wings, now takes center stage as he acts to fills empty wombs and empty lives.  All that was empty is now full in Naomi’s life.  All her complaints, sorrows, and prayers converge in the steadfast, covenant love of the Lord who has been working all along to bring about grace upon grace.

Songwriter, Sandra McCracken expresses it well.

In every station, new trials and new troubles
Call for more grace than I can afford
Where can I go but to my dear Savior
For mercy that pours from boundless stores

Grace upon grace, every sin repaired
Every void restored, you will find Him there
In every turning He will prepare you
With grace upon grace
-Grace Upon Grace, Sandra McCracken

Are you empty? Coasting on the fumes of disappointment, bitterness, or grief? There is a Heavenly Father who delights to fill us up with sufficient, superabundant, saving grace upon grace through a kinsman-redeemer.  Join us as we examine Ruth 4:13-17 and consider how God fills up empty places with his grace.  We meet on the square in Pottsville, right next to historic Potts’ Inn at 10:30 am for worship.  Get directions here or contact us for more info.  Or join our livestream on YouTube.