Committed To Serve

Read: Ruth 1:1-18

Wherever you go, I will go; ... your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. --- Ruth 1:16

The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 1-4

The best-known words of Ruth are most often heard at weddings, even though they were spoken by a grieving young widow to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth said, "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].

Ruth had no legal or cultural responsibility to Naomi, who also was a widow and had no means of support. No one would have blamed Ruth for staying with her own people in Moab where the chances of remarriage were greater.

Naomi even urged Ruth to stay, but Ruth was determined to go with her to Judah, and to follow her God. Ruth's unselfish devotion was considered worthy of praise. Boaz, Ruth's future husband, told her, "It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband .... The LORD repay your work" [2:11-12].

Promises spoken at a wedding are full of hope and meaning, but Ruth's words have survived the centuries because of her unwavering commitment to God and a person in need. She points us to the value of loving sacrifice for the Lord, and to His rich blessing on all who give themselves unselfishly to others. --- David McCasland

Searching to know life's true meaning?
You'll find it in only one way:
Serving the Lord with commitment
And living for others each day. --- Branon

A LIFE FILLED WITH LOVE FOR THE LORD AND FOR OTHERS IS A FULFILLING LIFE.