But Ruth said, “Do not press me to go back and abandon you! Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
After traveling to the country of Moab with her husband in order to escape a famine, Naomi experienced what we might call a “worst-case scenario”. Not only did her husband die, but her two sons as well. As a result, she found herself trapped in a foreign land without any means of support.
Upon hearing that the famine was over, Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Bethlehem. Even though her two daughters-in-law (Ruth and Orpah) were willing to travel with her, she told them to stay in Moab with their mothers. Orpah agreed, but Ruth refused to abandon her mother-in-law.
Ultimately, Ruth ended up marrying a man named Boaz and bearing a son named Obed. This child would go on to become the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David from whose line would come none other than Jesus the Messiah.
Even though it may not seem like it when we’re desperate, God provides for His children. And, as this story illustrates, not only did He provide for a helpless widow, but for a world in need of a Savior.
Let not your heart be troubled!
~Gary
