Ruth is mostly known for her fairytale love story with Boaz. But, did you know that the real love story is found in her willingness to face her fears? After the painful and untimely deaths of her husband, father in-law, and brother in-law she and the women in her life had to pick up the pieces of their broken hearts and move on with their lives in a time when women living alone had very few rights or protections in society. Her future was fraught with worry, anxiety, and fear of the unknown. Her mother in-law Naomi decided to return to her homeland in Bethlehem Judah. From their current home in Moab it would have been a journey of between 30 to 60 miles depending on the route taken and would have lasted about 7 to 10 days. Naomi tried to dissuade her daughter in-laws, Ruth and Orpah from returning with her, but because they loved Naomi so much and felt attached to her they refused. Naomi pleaded with them more strongly to return to their families and marry again in their own culture. Orpah tearfully complied but Ruth staunchly refused uttering one of the most fearless statements that has ever been uttered and it has been repeated throughout the annuls of time, “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)
Because Ruth loved Naomi with all her heart she learned to love her God with all her heart and TRUST both of them.
That perfect love drove out the fear of an uncertain future.
The fear of a perilously long journey with one very old, depressed woman.
The fear of danger from wild animals, treacherous road conditions, bandits, a river crossing and little to no accommodations.
That fearless love took her to a country where she was an unwelcomed stranger, and a poor beggar having to glean in the fields just to survive.
That love made her attractive to Boaz, the wealthy owner of the fields and it won the respect of all the people.
That fearless love made her obedient to the words of Naomi who instructed her to remain in Boaz’s fields and eventually propose to him in marriage.
That fearless love is why God chose to add Ruth, a Gentile, a Moabitess, to the bloodline of our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
My Dear Sister, Do you love the Lord your God with “All Your Heart”? If you do, let that fearless love drive out fear in your life! God is faithful. What He did for Ruth, He will do for you when you love Him with your whole heart!