Scripture Reference: Ruth 1
The first time we are introduced to Ruth, we see three widows weeping together at their unfortunate plight.
Life had dealt a fatal blow. The mother-in-law, Naomi, lost her husband and then her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion within 10 years.
Years ago she had left Bethlehem, accompanying her husband to Moab, when famine broke out in their native place.
Things had been well for some time until the unfortunate demise of her loved ones.
What could a widow, treated as the lowest of all societal classes, do under such circumstances?
And then amidst all the black clouds of death and mourning, hope glimmered when she heard that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. (Ruth 1:6)
The very thing that had driven her to a foreign land, was now redirecting her steps to her native place.
She had to go because she had no one left in Moab.
Alone, with neither heirs nor ancestors in a foreign land, Naomi decided to return to her place- Bethlehem of Judah.
Ruth the Moabite Clings to Naomi
Ah, but for the daughters-in-law.
Apparently, her two widowed daughters-in-law from Moab had no future with Naomi – for even if she got married and gave birth to sons, it would be illogical to wait for them to grow up and marry them. (Ruth 1:11-13)
What could she do but bless them and ask them to return to their mother’s house?
Naomi requested them to return, offering logic and condolences – Orpah wailed and returned to her people; Ruth clung to Naomi.
We notice a stark contrast in their responses. And yet to the logical mind, Orpah would seem practical and obedient. She did what she was told to, acknowledging the facts of the matter.
Ruth, on the contrary, was determined to go with her. (Ruth 1:18)
She was determined to follow Naomi even unto death, to be buried where she would be buried.
We are moved by her commitment which goes beyond her equally powerful words:
What moved this Moabite woman to make such powerful declarations?
What had she seen? What had she known about the God of Naomi?
We do not know. No precursor is given to the thoughts of Ruth before this scene.
All we know is that Ruth is determined to stay very close to Naomi. Until her very last breath.
The God Who Clings to Us
Right when things looked done and dusted for the two widows, one of whom (Naomi) even changed her name to Mara, courtesy of all the bitterness she had suffered, the reader is cued into a new beginning.
Scene 1 ends with hope as we read ” Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.” (Ruth 1:22)
The scene that started with famine, the very famine that drove Naomi’s family to a foreign land (Ruth 1:1) comes full circle with the beginning of the barley harvest.
God was at work among His people, even when they exchanged him for “greener grounds”.
The declaration of Ruth the Moabite serves as a subtle reminder to Naomi and the rest of us of God’s eternal faithfulness.
He clings to us wherever we go, refusing to let go even after our death.
He plans to spend an eternity with us and His redeemer, Yeshua Hamashiach, lives as a testimony to the fulfillment of His promises.
Surely, the Lord is good and His mercies endure forever. (Psalm 100:5)
All praise and honor belong to Him, now and forevermore. Amen
