Daily Verse Devo - Ruth 1:16

"But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God."

-Ruth 1:16

Ruth's story starts with Elimelech and Naomi's move to Moab from Bethlehem during a terrible famine. Their two sons, Mahlon and Kilion married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah.

Elimelech died and then both of Naomi's sons passed away, leaving her and her daughters-in-law alone. Naomi urged Ruth and Orpah to leave her. They were young and could remarry and start another life of their own. Orpah finally consented, but Ruth refused.

She told Naomi that she would follow her all the way, even to another culture and religion. Can you imagine how scary that would have been? I can start to feel out of place in an unknown city, yet alone a foreign country with different customs!

As I was thinking about this verse, I honestly don't think I could've done what Ruth did. I probably would have been like Orpah.

Growing up, I always thought Orpah was the "bad guy" for abandoning Naomi. But now, I don't think she was. Naomi told her to leave and as a Moabite, she could probably remarry easily in her hometown.

So while I don't think Orpah's decision was wrong, I do think Ruth's brought the most blessing. While gleaning in the fields for food, she found favor with the owner, Boaz. He purposefully had the men drop more grain and made sure they didn't try to bother her.

I'd encourage you to read the whole story of Ruth. It's a remarkable love narrative! But, I'll go ahead and summarize the ending.

In Jewish law, if a man died before having children, a kinsman redeemer from the family line could marry his widow and their children would preserve his lineage. Naomi quickly realized that Boaz was kin. There was another man who was technically closer kin, but he didn't want the responsibility. Boaz, however, was eager to marry Ruth. They had a son Obed, who became the father of Jesse and grandfather of David.

Because Ruth was willing to leave everything behind and follow Naomi and her God, her life was blessed. She wouldn't have been necessarily wrong to stay in Moab as Orpah had, but she would've missed out on this beautiful redemption.

What opportunities are available in your own life? I'm not saying you should move to a foreign country, but do you feel God calling you to a certain ministry, career path, or people group?

From Ruth, we see what a life surrendered to God and loyal to loved ones looks like.

This is a lesson I'm still learning, but by surrendering to God, we'll be living the best life possible. Not that everything will be pain-free and easy, but life will go according to God's plan, not our own. God had so much in store for Ruth - she's the great-grandmother of King David and a part of Jesus' genealogy.

What amazing plans has God revealed in your life already? Will you be willing to follow Him whatever the future brings?

#ruth #kinsmanredeemer #plans #surrender #future