Ruth

By: Tanya Zhuravleva, Moscow

In Matthew 1: 5, we learn that Ruth is the great-great-grandmother of David and a direct ancestor of Christ. She has an amazing, challenging, life story. It is so inspiring to see how her modesty and obedience led not only to wonderful events in her personal life, but also to consequences of great significance in the history of Israel.

Ruth’s trust in God

Ruth chose to believe in “the God of Naomi" despite the many troubles that occurred in this family.

But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return 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.” Ruth 1:16 ESV

It was a difficult period in their lives, a lot of losses, pain, fears and worries.

I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me? Ruth 1:21 ESV

And yet, something about Naomi's relationship with God so inspired Ruth that, no matter what, she chose to live with Naomi, her people, and their God, who became her God as well.

Ruth's obedience, trust, and modesty continue to impress. She did everything exactly as Naomi advised her. And God blessed them both – blessed Naomi’s obedience with incredible fruit (Ruth 4: 13-17).

Obedience bears amazing fruit that can leave a mark on eternity. Many inspiring heroines were given verses and chapters in the Bible. Ruth, on the other hand, is one of the few to whom the Lord dedicated an entire book in the Bible.

Jesus’ trust in God

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. Hebrews 5: 7-9, NIV

Incredibly, as the Son of God, Jesus also learned obedience through various trials. Having endured these trials and become perfect, he became the source of our salvation. And now the condition of our salvation is obedience to God and Christ. God takes us through various trials, shaping us, making us perfect.

For me, being obedient to God means trusting in his boundless love, kindness, and mercy. I really do not like the times of challenge and testing, I often complain and resent certain situations and events. Losses bring a lot of pain. And obedience is not given to me immediately, some things, some events, seem stupid or not logical to me, I often do not see the point why it is necessary to do this thing or the other.  It seems to me that if I understand what all this is for, see the "big picture,” then of course, I will immediately be obedient. But God "sculpts" my character without consulting me, and I am so grateful to Him for this.

The Lord never fails. It is amazing how God can turn sorrow into joy and turn trials and hopelessness into victory. Every time I face a challenge or difficulty, when I reach the end, I look back and see the fruit, and this inspires me; it trains me to be obedient much faster, to do everything without complaining or arguing, and to shine in this world, giving praise to God.

Questions for reflection:

1. Reflect on some of your own life stories. When you have seen the fruits of God's work as you went through trials and learned to obey? Give praise to God for these situations.

2. Consider this: maybe your obedience and modesty will affect the faith of someone around you. Share your story of victory after a really difficult trial with someone.