A Journey of Faith: The Choice Between Two Paths
"And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law." - Ruth 1:15
The story of Ruth is as profound as it is beautiful, encapsulating themes of loyalty, faith, and divine providence. In Ruth 1:15, we come across a significant moment in this narrative: "And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law." This statement by Naomi addresses the dilemma faced by Ruth—the choice between two contrasting paths defined by faith and cultural allegiance.
Naomi, bereaved and embittered by her losses, tries to persuade Ruth to abandon her. After the death of her husband and both sons, Naomi is left in a foreign land, feeling desolate and alone. Her sorrow is palpable, and she believes it would be easier for Ruth to return to the familiar—her own people, the Moabites, and their gods. Here, the choice presented is not merely geographical; it symbolizes two distinct life paths: one leading back to the comfort of one’s origin and the other towards the unknown future enveloped in faith.
Naomi’s advice is steeped in a pragmatic view of survival and self-preservation. This is a natural instinct, as she is suggesting that Ruth return to her roots—the culture and religion she has known all her life. Yet, it also reflects Naomi's own despair.
But let’s pause and reflect on Ruth—the young Moabite widow confronting this critical juncture in her life. Her response, articulated beautifully in Ruth 1:16-17, encapsulates her fierce dedication and emerging faith: "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."
Ruth’s proclamation is one of radical commitment. She steps away from what she knows—her people and their gods—and embraces a new identity in which the God of Israel becomes her God. What compels her to make such a bold choice?
Ruth's decision reveals a deep-seated faith that goes beyond familial ties and cultural expectations. It reflects a love that transcends mere duty—a covenantal love that mirrors the steadfastness of God’s love for His people. Ruth’s loyalty demonstrates an understanding that true fulfillment and purpose can only be found in the embrace of the divine.
The call for Ruth was not just a one-time decision; it was a lifelong commitment to a new way of life. In her choice, we see the heart of discipleship—a willingness to leave behind the familiar for the promise of something greater. Just as Ruth leaves behind her past, we are also called to relinquish what binds us, whether that be doubt, fear, or unfavorable attachments that keep us from following God wholeheartedly.
Moreover, Ruth’s choice provides a showdown between false gods and the one true God. Naomi’s mention of "thy gods" indicates the influence of Moab’s pagan practices. Yet Ruth chooses to reject them entirely, understanding that her hope for love, acceptance, and provision lies solely in the God of Israel.
In today’s world, we face similar choices. We often find ourselves at a crossroads between following the path of least resistance—returning to our comfort zones or cultural norms—and stepping into the unknown with faith. As we understand from this passage, sometimes the hardest decisions lead us into God’s calling with profound implications for our lives.
As we meditate on Ruth 1:15, let us evaluate the paths before us. Are we holding onto anything that hinders our relationship with God? Like Ruth, we are called to step boldly into His promises, leaving behind every lesser allegiance. Our God is a God of the unknown, rich in love and provisions, calling us to trust Him one step at a time.
May we embrace the courage to follow God’s call, much like Ruth did, knowing that in our journey of faith, we are not alone. God is with us, urging us toward an abundant life rooted in Him, a life that transcends mere survival and steps into divine destiny.
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Ruth 1:15 Artwork
Ruth 1:15 - "And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law."
"And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law." - Ruth 1:15
Ruth 2:15 - "And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:"
Ruth 1:14 - "And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her."
Ruth 1:5 - "And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband."
Ruth 1:4 - "And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years."
ruth, the loyal daughter
Ruth 1:22 - "So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest."
"And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:" - Ruth 2:15
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 1:16 - "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:"
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
"And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her." - Ruth 1:14
Ruth 1:10 - "And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people."
"And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband." - Ruth 1:5
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
Matthew 1:5 - "And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;"
"And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years." - Ruth 1:4
Ruth 1:18 - "When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her."
Ruth 2:1 - "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
Ruth 4:15 - "And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him."
Ruth 1:20 - "And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me."
"So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest." - Ruth 1:22
Ruth 1:17 - "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."
Ruth 1:1 - "Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons."
Ruth 1:11 - "And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?"
Ruth 1:7 - "Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah."
Ruth 1:9 - "The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept."
Ruth 1:16-17 - "But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.""
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3