Ruth’s Amazing Declaration of Faith
Ruth 1:16-17 - “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
[17] Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also if ought but death part thee and me.”
Ruth's statement is widely quoted at events where people express love and loyalty. Her story is about the redemption of the children of Israel, which takes place during the period covered by the book of Judges. Unlike the people in Judges, who did whatever they thought was right, Ruth did what was right in the eyes of God. She went against what was popular, and her faith led her to do what was right in the eyes of God.
After Naomi's husband and her two sons died, she was left in despair and felt cursed. She decided to return to her native land, Judah and urged her two daughters-in-law to leave her so they could have better opportunities among their people. The daughters-in-law were Moabites, and Naomi thought it would be best for them to stay with their people and their god.
Ruth chose to step out in faith, stay with Naomi, and follow God, defying human logic. Despite Naomi's best efforts to convince her otherwise, Ruth was determined. As Naomi returned to her native country, she continued to lament and asked to be called "Mara," meaning "bitter." She didn't realize that Ruth's decision was a great blessing from God.
The book of Ruth begins with despair and anguish but ends up being one of the greatest blessings recorded in Scripture. Ruth's marriage to Boaz sets up the genealogical line that leads to the greatest story of all: the coming of Christ into the world.
Even though things seemed hopeless and fruitless from a human standpoint, God worked behind the scenes to save us from eternal damnation. He did it in a way more glorious and unimaginable than any human could comprehend.
Ruth's faith in God led her to obey and commit herself to God and His people. By His grace, she was counted worthy to be part of the greatest story ever told - the birth and life of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ruth's act of faith was incredible because she could have chosen convenience and comfort. Still, she decided to follow God, not knowing the blessedness that awaited her and Israel and the whole world in all generations.
We will all face many crossroads that will challenge our hopes and decisions in life. We must be like Ruth, whose eyes were fixed not by sight but by her faith in God.
Our Prayer for today:
Our Gracious Father, we thank You for Your servant Ruth, who was willing to do “what is right in Your eyes” when everyone was doing what is “right in their eyes.” Lord, help Your children follow her example by not being afraid to go against our will and to follow Yours. Trusting You against what we feel is better judgment must be our commitment in all situations. Your will be done. In Jesus Name, Amen!