But Ruth replied, “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.”
Ruth 1:16 NIV
This verse showcases Ruth’s unwavering commitment to Naomi. In this passage, Ruth declares her intention to stay with Naomi, adopting Naomi’s people and God as her own. This narrative takes place during a famine in Bethlehem, which prompts Elimelek and his family to seek refuge in Moab. Tragically, Elimelek and his sons die, leaving Naomi without her immediate family. When Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, she urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. While Orpah chooses to remain, Ruth insists on accompanying Naomi, embodying loyalty and devotion despite adversity.
The story of Ruth highlights the virtues of loyalty and commitment. Ruth’s steadfast devotion to Naomi exemplifies the value of unwavering loyalty, even in difficult times. Her famous words emphasise the depth of her commitment. Similarly, as believers, God desires our wholehearted commitment to Him. This entails following Him completely and surrendering control of our lives to His will, revering Him above all else. Just as Ruth left her homeland and family to support Naomi and serve Naomi’s God, Jesus Christ left the glory of heaven to fulfil the Father’s will.
In John 4:34 (KJV), Jesus states, “My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work.” Jesus prioritised God’s will above all else, demonstrating complete dedication to His divine mission. Just as Ruth was committed to Naomi and the God of Israel, Jesus was committed to God’s will. Ruth 1:16 captures Ruth’s declaration of loyalty: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth left her homeland and family, committing herself entirely to Naomi and Naomi’s God despite the uncertainties and hardships she might face.
This powerful story compels us to reflect on our own commitment to God. Have we surrendered ourselves fully, or do we hold back a part? Can we boldly declare that we follow Jesus alone and reject other gods? As Scripture declares, there is no salvation in any other place. To be His disciple, one must deny oneself, take up their cross daily, and follow Christ. This is a call for us to surrender all and follow God wholeheartedly, serving Him with all-embracing loyalty and faithfulness in our journey with Him.
In conclusion, the story of Ruth teaches us profound lessons about loyalty and commitment. Just as Ruth committed herself to Naomi and her God, we are called to commit ourselves fully to God. This means prioritizing His will above our own, following Him wholeheartedly, and serving Him with unwavering faithfulness. Let us strive to live out this commitment daily, remembering that true discipleship requires complete surrender to God’s will.
