The reading takes a break from Judges to focus on the life of Ruth, a Moabite woman who originally married the son of Naomi. Ruth's faithfulness to Naomi and God provides some helpful guidance for living out our faith today. Below, I offer four key lessons from Ruth's life:
1. Be committed. In the face of great tragedy and an uncertain future, Ruth confidently stands with her mother-in-law Naomi, even when the widow of Naomi's other son decides to turn back. We see that, after counting the cost, Ruth looks forward to following God and living in the land of the Israelites. Although she will be a stranger in a strange land, she, like Moses, chooses to stand with God. Her vow of commitment to Naomi and the Lord is one of the most beautiful and stirring in all of Scripture: "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."
When we commit to something, we may respond in different ways. Sometimes, we may panic and wonder how we will ever live out our commitment. Or, we may look at the commitment as a burden once the honeymoon period has worn off. Yet, God calls us to keep our commitments and to see each activity in life as an opportunity to honor Him (Colossians 3:23). If we are seeking to live a vigorous and engaged Christian life, we may commit to things that force us to depend upon God. That's fantastic! Then, we may truly see God glorified, as our resource only carry us so far.
2. Be intentional. After making her commitment to Naomi, Ruth sets her mind to finding out how best to live in her new environment. In consultation with Naomi, she figures out how to make a living from trolling the fields for leftover grain. She recognizes that she will need to "find favor" in the eyes of the Israelites, but this potential hurdle doesn't thwart her moving forward. Later on, she goes to visit Boaz in the evening, essentially asking him to redeem her. Through the course of Ruth's plan, we see Boaz's falling in love with her because of her "noble character." The phrase reminds us of the praise of the "wife of noble character" in Proverbs 31. Ruth lives wisely and blesses those around her.
How can you work toward seeing something happen that God has placed on your heart?
3. Be industrious. Ruth didn't just create a clear plan; she lived it out. As the sign currently reads, "Small deeds beat great intentions." Ruth works hard in the fields, showing her commitment to Naomi and to becoming integrated into her new environment. Though she faces poverty, she trusts that God will provide for her and Naomi. There were no handouts in this time, but Ruth didn't sulk in her sorrow. She decided to press forward.
The passage reminds me of a short snippet from _Facing the Giants_, where a man tells about two farmers. The farmers lived far apart but were both facing drought conditions at the start of the growing season. Both farmers hoped and prayed for rain, but only one farmer began plowing the fields. Which one would God more likely bless?
4. Be others-minded. Ruth shows great concern for both Naomi and Boaz. She seeks to bless first, not manipulate. We may ask ourselves: "Am I seeking this person's best interests, or am I focused on enriching myself?"
For her concern, God richly blesses her. Boaz, a foreshadow of our Redeemer, lives out his role as a kinsman-redeemer and saves Naomi and Ruth from bankruptcy. The story takes place near Bethlehem, which will in time become the City of David and the birthplace of our Savior.
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