Ruth: A Story of God’s Redeeming LoveSýnishorn

Ruth’s words to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17 are among the high points in all Scripture. This elegant expression of love and faithfulness is often used in weddings. But Ruth was also confessing her conversion to the one true God. She had come to know Naomi’s God as a loving God whose power and grace extended beyond the borders of Israel. Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi and her God will result in a life far beyond anything she could have imagined.

Each phrase of Ruth’s statement is worth unpacking.

-“Where you go, I will go” – in saying this, Ruth told Naomi she would never leave her. Ruth demonstrated godly devotion to Naomi. She would follow Naomi wherever they might go. Ruth felt closer to Naomi than she did to her own people. Her commitment to Naomi was a lifelong partnership.

-“Where you lodge, I will lodge” – is an extension of “where you go, I will go,” this statement displayed Ruth’s love for Naomi on a deeper level. It did not matter if Naomi lived in the slums or a mansion; Ruth would stick with her. Ruth told Naomi, “Where you live, I will live.” Ruth expressed her intent to become a true daughter to Naomi. What a beautiful statement of love this is!

-“Your people shall be my people, and your God shall be my God” – with this confession, Ruth professed her newfound faith. Ruth used the language of God’s covenant, as shown in Exodus 6:7 and Zechariah 8:8. Ruth quoted God’s covenantal promises back to God. She loved Naomi and Naomi’s God with a godly love. Ruth provides a great example of something we should do in prayer: quote God’s promises back to Him. Not because God needs us to remind Him of His promises. He doesn’t forget them. He wants us to repeat His promises because we forget them. Ruth’s commitment to God was the foundation of her dedication to Naomi.

-“Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.” – In the ancient Near East, where you were buried indicated which god you worshiped. Ruth underscored her faith in the one true God by saying she would be buried in Israel. Not even death would separate Ruth from Naomi.

By accompanying Naomi to Bethlehem, Ruth consigned herself to living the life of a poor widow. However, as part of His steadfast love, God takes care of widows. Ruth believed this. She did not merely have faith in God; she was sacrificially devoted to Him. In Matthew 19:29, Jesus declared that anyone who had left family or home to follow him would receive that family back one hundredfold and receive eternal life. Ruth could not see these blessings God had promised yet, but she was willing to step out in life-changing faith.

What about you? How strong is your faith in God’s promises? What are you willing to sacrifice for Him?