Ruth a Woman of CharacterSample

A Foundation of Value

Ruth is one of the most amazing characters in all of Scripture. She finds herself in challenging circumstances and takes ownership of her choices. She makes a host of seemingly small decisions that turn out to have big effects, including her becoming a mother in King David’s lineage, and ultimately, in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Ruth is from Moab, near Judah. She marries a sojourning Hebrew man, Naomi’s son, who then dies. Naomi has lost her husband as well as both of her sons. Naomi’s family had traveled to Moab because there was a famine in their hometown. When the family arrived, her sons found wives in Moab. After the men’s deaths, Naomi heard that the Lord had once again blessed Judah with food. She decided to return to Israel, and her daughters-in-law prepared to go with her. But Naomi encouraged them to stay home in Moab and marry local men who could provide for them. One daughter-in-law stays in Moab, but the other one, Ruth, decides differently. She will journey with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Judah. Why? Why did Ruth choose to go to a foreign land with an older woman in need of help?

Ruth has seen something true, right, and valuable in Naomi’s character. Despite her own needs, Naomi was concerned about her daughters-in-laws’ future. She cared deeply for them, and Ruth could see this. Ruth’s choice is about trust and commitment. She knows she must decide who to trust—some unknown future husband or Naomi? She chooses to trust Naomi, Naomi’s people, and Naomi’s God. Commitment to character and values is not easy. It is a tough choice.

As their story unfolds, we will find Ruth fully backing her promise of commitment with action. The people of Israel will say to her that Ruth is better to Naomi than seven sons. Out of her loyalty and service to Naomi will flow Ruth’s greatest blessing.

Ruth looked beyond comfort and committed to the character. She went all-in and never looked back. Eventually, she was honored like few others. When we look beyond our circumstances, make wise choices about who to trust, and follow our commitment with our whole heart, we are setting ourselves up for God’s greatest blessings in His perfect timing.