Scripture: Ruth 1: 16-17

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.

Scripture Commentary: Allow God’s plan for your life to unfold

These two verses in the Book of Ruth show us Ruth’s character.  She was caring and respectful her mother-in-law, Naomi, even after her mother-in-law encouraged her to return to her own people.  Ruth made a resolution to never forsake her mother-in-law when she said, “Intreat me not to leave thee …”

Naomi felt that God was punishing her when she was forced from her homeland by famine, and when both her husband and two sons died.  But God had blessed her with Ruth, a good hearted woman who decided not to return to her people. She put aside her own needs and desires to work and care for Naomi.

Ruth gave up the gods of her people for the God that Naomi worshiped, and God accepted Ruth as she was.  Ruth may not have been able to recognize God’s guidance but He was directing her path.

God led the women to Boaz, a prosperous man.  Ruth married Boaz.  She gave birth to Obed who was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of David.  It is through this bloodline that Jesus, the Messiah, was born.

As God was with Ruth, He is also with you in your life.  Talk to Him and He will answer you.  God has a plan for your life.

Now ask yourself, “If I follow God, what wonderful purpose does God have for me?”

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ruth Chapter 1