“Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence” (Ruth 3:11)
The story of Ruth is a beautiful account of godliness. Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi, who lost both her husband and her sons. One daughter-in-law left Naomi, but Ruth uttered those memorable words of settled faithfulness:
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me” (Ruth 1:16-17)
Without a moment’s hesitation, Ruth gave her life to serve a relative in need. The remaining chapters tell of her choices to work hard and serve her family, even though the daily grind was humbling and difficult. Through her patient, honorable decisions, God blessed her with a marriage to a wonderful man, Boaz. And then we read this simple, profound verse upon the birth and naming of Ruth’s first child:
So they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ruth 4:17)
Ruth was the grandmother of the one who would become the greatest human king in Israel’s history. Which also means, that through her line would come the birth of the Savior-King, Jesus.
NEVER QUIT
Ruth was faced with multiple choices where she could have chosen an easier path, a more selfish decision. But her continued submission to the will of God led her to be a great woman in God’s redemptive plan. She had no idea in the moment of the legacy that she would leave or the part she would play. She just decided to take the next steps in obedience to the Lord and service to her family. And God used her to save the world.
And he can do the same for you.
Lord, thank You for taking simple people and letting them become great players in Your eternal plan. Thank You for letting the humblest individual play the highest part. Help us take the simple steps of humble obedience to You and service to others. And then, Lord, use us for Your glory!
