Ruth: Commitment

“But Ruth said: ‘Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you;

For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;

Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.’ ”(Ruth 1:16) NKJV.

Although commitment means one thing to Jesus, it means a variety of things to people. Over the years, it’s become less relevant in some circles. Perhaps you’ve noticed that, too. I find its value is linked to the character of the one pledging faithfulness. Pledges are worthless in someone who quickly makes promises but can’t keep them. But to Jesus, it’s everything! He is committed to all He’s promised; to the bitter end, He will be faithful.

We must follow His lead. Among believers, it’s crucial; it’s our only option. We will be known by two things: our love and our faithfulness. Ruth was faithful. She was true to her pledge. When Orpah, her sister-in-law, kissed Naomi and turned back and headed for Moab, Ruth clung to Naomi. God had given her unwavering love for Naomi that would undergird her pledge. She would be faithful to her promise, and people would take notice. Our “yes” must be “yes,” and we should do everything within our power to see it through. People in the land are watching us. All eyes, including those of our kids and grandkids, are on us!

Ruth’s “yes” stands out because it cost her something. When she uttered her pledge of commitment, she left her previous life and family behind. She abandoned all she’d ever known to return to Bethlehem with Naomi. What might Naomi offer Ruth? Naomi could offer nothing at all. She, too, was in dire straights because both women were widowed and impoverished. Ruth had nothing to gain; instead, Ruth had something to give.

First, Ruth gave her word. She was committed. Her oath was pure, unconditional, and selfless. No doubt it came from her heart. Next, she followed through. She didn’t travel halfway to Bethlehem and change her mind. She never said to Naomi, “What can you do for me?” or “What’s in this for me?” Her pledge was from the heart, and she had no ulterior motive; it wasn’t to secure a position or plan for her future. In essence, it was simply this: “I’m going to see this through. I promise I will care for you and provide for you to the best of my ability. Your God, my God, will see us through. My hope is in Him. A faithful God will be with us!

Ruth never lost focus or hope. She never squabbled over details or instructions. And God blesses her faithfulness in the most incredible way. Not to spoil it for you, but the love of Ruth’s life is waiting for her in Bethlehem. Who knew? Ruth sure didn’t. What will first turn his head? Ruth’s faithful commitment to her pledge because her faithfulness was the talk of Bethlehem. Our vows truly matter, most assuredly to God. At the height of the barley harvest, Ruth will steal away in the night and lay with Boaz. It’s a steamy scene, and his heart is revealed. Then, in a moment of sexual tension, Ruth collides with her destiny. Ruth has found her kinsman-redeemer, and her fate is sealed. Naomi’s too! But, her story doesn’t end there; it gets better and better. If you’re not familiar with Ruth’s incredible story, you may read it in its entirety in Women of the Bible and God’s Redeeming Love.

What’s our takeaway? Ruth never quit doing the next right thing. She honored God with her life; she was committed to her pledge. In other words, Ruth’s “yes” was “yes.” That’s huge! It’s where most of us blow it. We’re committed for a time or a short season, and when things don’t go as we thought, we give up, forget the pledge, drop the ball and run! Although few are faithful, we must be. It’s the only way to display the faithfulness of Christ. We do so because He has been faithful to us, and faithfulness is an expression of Christ’s love.

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, keep us faithful. Guard us from making pledges which we can’t keep. Help us demonstrate faithfulness in all matters as we lead by example by your grace and for your ultimate glory. Amen and amen.