Today you should read: Ruth 1:14-22
In the previous section of this chapter leading up to verse 14, we see a very hard situation unfold. Naomi loses her husband and her two sons. Make a note that this is a big deal in this time period. Without her husband or her sons as a woman she is truly alone. This is a huge reason for why Naomi tries to send both daughter-in-laws away. She was trying to give them their best chance to have husbands again.
In response to Naomi, Orpah decides to leave and go back to her mother. Ruth chooses to stay. She refuses to leave Naomi alone. This is a beautiful picture of loyalty to another person. As great as that is, it isn’t as important as the next picture of loyalty that is described. Verses 16-17 describes the “speech” Ruth gives to say that she is totally committed. This is important because of the spiritual implications. Her commitment to being loyal to Naomi was also her committing to being loyal to God. She makes an oath in the name of Yahweh, and by doing so owns Him as her God.
This is a strong reminder of how we should be committed to God. Are you willing to cry out to God in the same way that Ruth does? The heart of being committed no matter what is the same heart we should have. As Christ followers we need to follow Jesus anywhere and everywhere, no strings attached.
By: Dakota Gragg — Student Ministry Associate
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