Joy in the Family: Ruth
Read: Ruth 1:16-17
Have you ever wanted to completely quit on something?
It might have been tempting for Ruth, a Moabite, to move away from her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. After tragedy struck and Ruth lost her husband, she had an opportunity to start over, to return to her hometown and try to rebuild her life. Naomi even said it might be best if Ruth really did leave because she was in a tough place herself. Naomi’s own husband had recently died, and she had no way to provide for her daughter-in-law.
Wouldn’t most people prefer a familiar life over a new country and culture? But Ruth was committed to her mother-in-law and her well-being, so she decided to remain loyal to Naomi and embrace Naomi’s people and God. They returned together to Bethlehem, the eventual birthplace of Jesus. Many women in Bethlehem said Ruth treated Naomi better than seven sons!
Because of her faithfulness and hard work, Ruth met and married a kind Israelite named Boaz. And so Ruth was welcomed into the nation of Israel. But her loyalty was rewarded in an even greater way—she is part of Jesus’ ancestry! Ruth’s story again demonstrates God’s interest in pursuing and redeeming outsiders. God used her life to bring about the eventual birth of Jesus—the ultimate Pursuer and Redeemer.
Reflect
Sometimes you have to give up the easy, expected behaviors in order to do the right thing. What good decisions have been difficult for you to make?
Pray about It
Ask that God would give your family strength when right decisions are more difficult than the wrong ones.