Ruth: An Example to Follow

The short book of Ruth focuses on a Moabite woman who faces dire circumstances after losing her husband, so she decides to accompany her mother-in-law, Naomi, to the foreign land of Israel. Naomi warns that Israel might not offer improved circumstances, and, therefore, Naomi suggests that Ruth should remain in Moab.

Ruth responds (Ruth 1:16, NLT),

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.

Facing near-certain poverty in an unknown land, that is a response of faith! Let us emulate Ruth's attitude. God doesn't ask much of us. He wants us to follow him, put our trust in him, and, ultimately, leave the consequences of life to him.

As it turns out, Ruth's circumstances did improve in Israel. Today, we know her as the great-grandmother of King David!