Living And Loving Like Ruth – Obedience to God

The story of Ruth is a profound example of love, loyalty, and obedience that transcends personal loss and cultural boundaries. Ruth, a Moabite woman, demonstrated unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and an obedient faith in God, which brought about blessings and redemption not only in her life but also in the lineage of David and ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi –
After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem from Moab and urged her daughters-in-law to stay in their homeland. Orpah, one of the daughters-in-law, eventually returned to her people, but Ruth faithfully stayed, refusing to go “home” and clung to Naomi. Ruth’s loyalty is beautifully expressed in her own words:

“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 (Ruth 1:16 ).”

This open and heart moving declaration not only shows Ruth’s commitment to Naomi, but also her decision to embrace the God of Israel as her own, which was a significant act of faith and conversion. She took on God as her “own” God and followed the commandments and obeyed His Word thereafter.

Rewards of Obedience to God
Ruth’s story also illustrates the rewards of obedience. By choosing to follow Naomi and the One and only God of Israel, Ruth found favor in the eyes of Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi. Boaz recognized Ruth’s loyalty and pure virtue, ultimately leading to their marriage, which secured Ruth’s and Naomi’s future and placed Ruth in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Her obedience brought rewards that had an amazing outcome in the fulfillment of the scriptures, and a direct link to the lineage of Jesus Christ!

The Bible speaks of the blessings of obedience in several passages – two are given below:

• “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:” (Isaiah 1:19).
• Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee (Psalm 128:1-2).Reflective Questions
  How does Ruth’s story inspire you to demonstrate loyalty in your relationships?
  In what ways can you show obedience to God’s commands in your daily life?

May we all find the courage to be as loyal as Ruth in our commitments – first of course, -to the LORD, and our faith- then our family, friends, and neighbors. Let us pray for the strength to obey God’s word and the wisdom to see His hand at work in our lives.

If we listen closely to His voice, and obey His commands, we will ease into a way of spiritual well-being and overall righteousness, that will no doubt be rewarded while we are here- but will continue at such time when we are called home, to eternity.

“Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the inspiring example of Ruth. Teach me to be steadfast, loyal and obedient, to trust in Your plans, and to follow You with all my heart, may I be blessed with Your guidance and love, and help that will extend that love to those around me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”