Our scripture today is Ruth 1:16 (ESV).
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 is a relatively short book that teaches much. Like the story of the fall of Jericho (Joshua 2), someone from outside the children of Israel shows faith in the one true God. In this instance Ruth wants to remain with Naomi, her mother-in-law as she goes back to the land of her people. Times have been difficult but rather than abandon Naomi to fend for herself, Ruth accompanies her. Later we will see that Ruth, like Rahab in the Jericho story, becomes part of the genealogy of the Messiah, as Jesus comes to be one of us.
Loving Lord, thank You for the examples of faith we find in scripture from people of all kinds and all nations. Bless us to continue to share Your word and Your love with the world. Amen.
