FAITHFULNESS
Ruth 1:11–18; 2:5–12
I love the Book of Ruth. It is a story of God’s providence and provision. The lineage of David and ultimately Jesus is traced through Ruth. It is in Ruth that we learn the term “kinsman redeemer.” Providence speaks to God’s ability to “see before.” God knows what is going to happen and arranges circumstances according to His will. The story of Ruth is about a brave woman with noble character. She is extremely loyal.
Loss (1:11–15)
As the story begins, we are introduced to Elimelech and his wife, Naomi. They had relocated from Judah to Moab along with their two sons. Their sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth.
Within a 10-year span, Elimelech and the two sons died, leaving Naomi and her two daughters-in-law as widows. At this point, Naomi wanted to return to her ancestral home of Bethlehem-Ephrata. She was bitter at the losses she had suffered.
She encouraged her daughters-in-law to return to their homes in hope that they could remarry. Orpah agreed but Ruth did not.
Have you suffered a loss? How did you respond?
Loyalty (16–18)
In verses 16–18, Ruth expresses her loyalty and love for Naomi. The oath she recites to her mother-in-law has been repeated numerous times between a bride and groom in their wedding ceremony. It’s a beautiful statement that basically says, “Don’t ask me to leave you. Where you go, I will go.” She also states her desire to stay with Naomi until death parts them. She requests God’s punishment should she fail to follow through on her commitment. One has to admire the fierce loyalty of Ruth. Would others say that you are a loyal friend?
Provision (2:5–12)
Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem to find the community excited and joyful because of Naomi’s return. They arrived just as the barley harvest season had begun.
This is an important tidbit in the story. You see, one of the fields belonged to a relative of Elimelech. Ruth asked Naomi for permission to glean in the field after the reapers had gone through it. Gleaning was considered social welfare in the Old Testament and was commanded by Moses to help the poor, the widowed and the foreigner. Farmers were required to leave the edges of their fields unharvested so that the gleaners could follow them.
Ruth found favor in the eyes of the owner, Boaz. He heard reports of her work ethic and instructed her to join with his reapers to gather even more of the barley. When she returned home to Naomi and shared the good news of meeting Boaz, Naomi rejoiced that they found favor — or grace — with the Lord. Bishop Joseph Garlington said, “Favor is the unseen but unrelenting, irresistible and supernaturally powerful synergy of the Holy Spirit preceding, interceding and succeeding on behalf of those in whom God has a loving interest, purpose and plan … that will ultimately bring glory to His name.”
Ruth found favor with Boaz, and she found favor with the Lord. The truth in the story of Ruth is the same for us today: God knows, God cares and God can do something about it.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
