“One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, ‘Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.’ Naomi replied, ‘All right, my daughter, go ahead.’” (Ruth 2:2, NLT)
We know Ruth for her incredible loyalty to Naomi. Her famous line, “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay...” has been spoken for thousands of years as a promise to loved ones. Ruth declared this vow as her mother-in-law returned to her native land, swearing not to leave her, but instead promising to follow Naomi for the rest of her life.
As if uprooting herself and transferring her life to a brand new country wasn’t enough, Ruth faithfully, considerately, and ardently cared for Naomi.
We don’t know the age gap between these two women, but Naomi could have easily been 20 years Ruth’s senior. She was most likely an older woman, and Ruth was still young and strong.
The verses above tell us that Ruth found work to provide for them both so Naomi wouldn’t have to. Why would she do this? Because she was Naomi’s daughter.
That may seem like an obvious point. After all, Ruth was legally related to Naomi, right? But something deeper than legal ties was at work here.
In her heart, Ruth loved Naomi more than anything, and she claimed Naomi as her mother.
Likewise, Naomi called Ruth as her daughter, not as her ‘daughter-in-law.’ Legal attachments and heart attachments are distinctly different matters. Ruth and Naomi shared both, with the latter being the most prevalent in their relationship.
Day after day, Ruth’s love spurred her to serve Naomi.
I picture her gathering grain in the fields, wiping sweat from her brow as she bends over to pick up the leftovers. I see her weary smile as she carries baskets of gleanings up the pathway to their home. I envision that after greeting Naomi, she began putting together dinner, all the while answering Naomi’s questions and hearing about her day.
Breath by breath, step by step, Ruth gave her all for Naomi. If you read the short book of Ruth, you’ll see that God rewarded her for such kindness and love. She and Naomi were both blessed, and a book that opened with sadness closes with joy.
Who is your family? Whom do you call Mother, Father, Sister, Brother? God has placed people directly in your life to be a family to you (biological or not). Search your heart and determine who they are. Then love them and serve them.
How can you be a son or daughter today? A mother or father? A brother or sister?
Allow your words and behavior to reflect your affection and appreciation. Let your heart draw close to your family. Grow in your love for them until you are willing to sacrifice for them.
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