“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay; your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me” (Ruth 1:16-17).
Let Your Light Shine and Be Seen in the World!
Do you have a mother-in-law or a daughter-in-law? How good is your relationship with her? Many such relationships are strained, filled with misunderstandings and unmet expectations. Daughters-in-law often feel scrutinized or criticized, while mothers-in-law sometimes feel neglected or disrespected. In contrast, the story of Ruth and Naomi is a heart-warming example of love, respect, and unwavering commitment. Their bond serves as an inspiring model for harmonious family relationships.
At its core, their story demonstrates that love is the most precious gift we can offer one another. While their journey was marked by grief, hardship, and uncertainty, God’s providence was evident in their lives. Naomi, a widow bereft of her sons, faced an uncertain future in a world where women without male protectors had little security. However, Ruth’s steadfast devotion and faith in God transformed their story from one of despair to one of redemption and hope.
A Story of Loss and Devotion
The Book of Ruth begins with a man from Bethlehem, Elimelech, who, due to famine, migrated to Moab with his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. In time, Elimelech died, leaving Naomi a widow. Her sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth, but after ten years, both sons also passed away, leaving Naomi alone with her daughters-in-law.
When Naomi heard that the famine in Judah had ended, she decided to return home. She urged Orpah and Ruth to remain in Moab, saying: “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband” (Ruth 1:8-9).
Orpah, though sorrowful, heeded Naomi’s advice and returned to her family. Ruth, however, refused to leave Naomi’s side. Her response is one of the most moving declarations of loyalty in the Bible:
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay; your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
Ruth’s commitment to Naomi was not only an act of love but also a step of faith. She was willing to forsake her homeland and its customs to embrace Naomi’s people and her God. As Christian scholar Matthew Henry notes, “Strong affections to our friends should not turn us away from our duty to God, but should rather increase our zeal.” Ruth’s faith and dedication shine as an example of selflessness and trust in God’s plan.
Finding Redemption
Upon their return to Bethlehem, Naomi’s grief was so profound that she told people to call her Mara, meaning “bitter,” for she felt that the Lord had dealt harshly with her. The two widows had no means of support, so Ruth humbly gleaned in the fields—picking up leftover grain as permitted by Jewish law for the poor.
Providentially, she found herself in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and kind man who was a relative of Naomi’s late husband. According to Jewish law, Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer—someone who had the right to redeem a family’s land and marry the widow of a deceased relative to preserve the family lineage.
Naomi wisely guided Ruth on how to seek Boaz’s protection, and through God’s divine plan, Boaz agreed to redeem their family’s land and marry Ruth. Their marriage brought security and joy, not only to Ruth but also to Naomi, who saw hope restored in her life.
A Lineage of Great Blessing
Ruth and Boaz had a son, Obed, who became the grandfather of King David, from whose lineage Jesus Christ was born. The women of Bethlehem rejoiced with Naomi, saying:
“Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer! May his name be renowned in Israel. He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth” (Ruth 4:14-15).
Boaz’s role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadowed the ultimate redemption found in Christ. As theologian Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Jesus is our true kinsman-redeemer, who not only redeems us from our lost estate but also restores us to fellowship with God.” Just as Boaz rescued Ruth and Naomi from poverty and despair, Christ redeems us from sin and offers us eternal hope.
Lessons from Ruth and Naomi
- Faithfulness and Commitment: Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi reflects the deep commitment we should have toward God and those He places in our lives.
- Trust in God’s Providence: Even in times of loss and uncertainty, God is at work, orchestrating events for our good.
- Love that Transforms: Naomi’s godly character influenced Ruth, leading her to embrace faith in the one true God. Our lives should also reflect Christ’s light, drawing others to Him.
- Redemption Through Christ: Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, bringing us from spiritual poverty into eternal life.
The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of love, faith, and divine providence. It reminds us that no matter our circumstances, God’s plan is always unfolding, leading us to a future filled with hope and restoration. May we, like Ruth, embrace faith with courage and devotion, and may we, like Naomi, trust that God’s faithfulness never fails.
