As we come to the end of the story of Ruth it is worth reflecting again on this story in the context of the times. The overwhelming trend in Israel at this time was one of steep decline into idolatry and spiritual debasement. In the midst of all this we see one remarkable example of two widows who chose to remain faithful to God and to his greater purpose. We should note that the main character of the story, Ruth, is not even an Israelite. She was a Moabite woman. The writer of the book deliberately focuses on this to show up the disobedience of the Israelites who were meant to be an example to the ‘pagans’. But Ruth the Moabitess shows more obedience and faith than anyone in Israel at the time. While everyone in Israel was abandoning God and following the ways of the nations, including the Moabites, this Moabite woman went the other way, aligning herself irrevocably with the God of Israel. The legacy of her actions is remarkable. From her choice to trust and obey God comes the seed of a new day for the people of God. Her son Obed becomes the father of Jesse who becomes the father of David. A little bit of obedience goes a long way. The faith of one person leaves a legacy for many. Here in the story of Ruth we have seen the amazing effect that one life yielded over to God can have.
How is God calling you to trust and obey him today?
Read Ruth 4:13-22
