The Loyalty of Ruth
Ruth 1:12-17 (ASV) If I should say, I have hope, if I should even have a husband to-night, and should also bear sons; 13 would ye therefore tarry till they were grown? would ye therefore stay from having husbands? nay, my daughters, for it grieveth me much for your sakes, for the hand of Jehovah is gone forth against me. 14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clave unto her.
15 And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her god: return thou after thy sister-in-law. 16 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, and 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: Jehovah do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me
How much do I love this account of Ruth, the Moabite woman who accompanied her mother-in-law to Bethlehem after their husbands died? There is a stark contrast between Naomi and Ruth. Naomi was more than sorrowful at the loss of her husband and sons. She was forlorn and bitter thinking God had turned against her. But God had a plan.
Naomi’s daughter-in-law Orpah was convinced to return to her own mother while Ruth uttered some of the most beautiful words in the Bible. “..,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;” Ruth demonstrates a loyalty that few can mimic, for this kind of love requires sacrifice.
When God calls us to sacrifice, may we do as Ruth did, without grumbling, but instead, may the joy of the Lord be our strength as we walk the pathway designed just for us. And may we share the name of Jesus with all we meet.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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