It is difficult to read the story of Ruth and Naomi without asking yourself about the meaning of true loyalty and devotion. How often do we really see it? How often do we really exercise it? How often do we really give up ourselves for love of another, over the long haul, not just in a passing moment or for a special event? Carefully consider passages like 1:16-17; 2:11-12; and 3:10.
We find at the close of this book that Ruth becomes the great grandmother of King David. And do you remember that Ruth is a foreigner, a Moabitess by blood and birth? Yet God blesses her and brings the line of Israel's Messiah through her womb. God is concerned with faithfulness to him and not where we came from.
It is also striking to realize that the story of Ruth takes place during the period of the Judges, a time of persistent war and strife. The very fact that the inspired record of this little story of love was given by God to us reminds us of God's intimate concern in the humble affairs of our life. While the world is falling apart around us, God cares about our personal details.
