Beech Tree News Network

 I am sure most Bible students are familiar with Ruth, the Moabitess who was widowed and followed her mother-in-law back to Bethlehem to live. Once there, she met and married Naomi’s kinsman, Boaz. From this union came Obed; and in time she became the great-grandmother of David. It is easy for us, having read the story, to focus upon Ruth being David’s great-grandmother, and all that this would imply in God’s plan for man’s salvation. In fact, Ruth is special because she is one of only four women mentioned in the earthly lineage of Christ (Matt. 1:5).

             What makes this good lady stand out in my mind was her conscientious, considerate, and sacrificing attitude. Unlike those of us living today who have the benefit of reading the book, remember, Ruth didn’t know what the outcome of her life would be! Still, she displayed an attitude that continues to shine for future generations. Like Abel, she “being dead yet speaketh” (cf. Heb. 11:4)!

             The first time we read anything of substance about Ruth is after she had become a widow. When Naomi wanted to go back to Bethlehem, Ruth begged to accompany her mother-in-law (Ruth 1:7-18). At this time, she had no idea what awaited her in Bethlehem. In her plea to go with her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, she only knew it would be a life of poverty. She would live among strangers, speak a foreign language, worship a foreign God, and have no promise of ever returning to Moab. So far as the book of Ruth is concerned, once she left with Naomi she never returned to Moab to see her family! Such faithfulness to her mother-in-law tells me just what kind of woman Naomi was, and how she conducted herself among her daughters-in-law during her years in Moab!

             However, let us focus upon Ruth. Such people as Ruth stand out and serve as good examples for the rest of us (Rom. 15:4). This is because just as she faced hardships and unknown elements in her life, so also it happens today. Isn’t this the real challenge of serving God? It is easy to serve God when things are going well and we are not facing the pitfalls, challenges, temptations, and hard choices in life. It is much harder when we are in the middle of enduring the temptations, hardships, and challenges! It is at this time, we need to remember Ruth’s example of faithfulness. We would do well to also remember the words of Ruth’s great-grandson: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4)!

             While married and then widowed in Moab; while following a mother-in-law to a strange land; Ruth didn’t know the results of her life’s choices. In like manner, we don’t know how our lives will turn out (Prov. 27:1). However, choosing to be saved (Mk. 16:16), and to be faithful to God through our lives, brings true blessedness (Rev. 2:10; I Cor. 15:58; I Cor. 16:13-14; Matt. 24:13). Let us put our trust in God.

 -- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167