The Genealogy of JesusSample

The relationship between a woman and her husband's mother is often fraught with difficulty, animosity even. It's hard for two women to love the same man. Ruth's respectful, loyal, and loving relationship with her mother-in-law, Naomi, is remarkable in this regard.

In the absence of their shared loved one, Ruth remains unwavering in her commitment to Naomi, even forsaking the option to return home to her family of origin. Perhaps she and Naomi really hit it off? Perhaps. It seems more likely that Ruth knew her relationship with Naomi was God-ordained. I love the language beginning in 1:16 when Ruth says, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you."

Naomi's God was enough for Ruth. Enough to compel her to leave her land, her family, and material security to follow Naomi. Ruth entrusted her life to the Lord's providence, and He blessed her by redeeming her brokenness through Boaz and including her in the genealogy of Jesus!

1. Have you ever left earthly safety and security to follow God?

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being our Redeemer. May we trust you with our lives.