So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.
Ruth 1:22 NIV
Harvest Time
Labour Day has been marked as a statutory public holiday in Canada on the first Monday in September since 1894. However, the origins of Labour Day in Canada can be traced back to numerous local demonstrations and celebrations in earlier decades. Such events assumed political significance in 1872, when an April labour demonstration in Toronto, in support of striking printers, led directly to the enactment of the Trade Unions Act, a law that confirmed the legality of unions.
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Happy Labour Day. While it is still officially summer, and will be for another couple of weeks, here in Canada we being to think about the fall season and the harvest that is coming. The Bible is filled with harvest themes. As far back in Jewish history as the story of Ruth we see the harvest. Ruth 1:22 says, “So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.” I love that fact that in a world where things are changing quickly, we can look back over history and understand that timing of Naomi and Ruth’s arrival in Bethlehem – it was at the time of the barley harvest. Right about this time of year. There is a consistency in the world God created. There are seasons that He established by which we mark our lives annually. The lives of Naomi and Ruth had been marked by tragedy and grief. Naomi had lost her husband and two sons, and had returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth. Their lives had been turned upside down, but just like the harvest season came as usual, God remained their immovable rock. He will be for you as well.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley