"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay" (Ruth 1:16 NIV).

To understand the begining of the story of Ruth you have to understand the time in which Ruth and Naomi lived. As prejudiced and oppressive as it was, women had little status or position in society compared to today. Their only source of significant provision would most likely come from the males in their family. If they lost their husband and their sons, they were truly alone. They would most likely live a life of scratching and begging for food.

Naomi is just such a woman. Her husband and two sons all die during a terrible famine that wracks the land of Palestine. All she has left are two daughters-in-law who have only one advantage over Naomi--they were young enough to remarry.

Naomi's future is dim. There is no reason for anyone to be committed to her, to follow her in her return to Bethlehem. Well except for one reason--faithful love. When Naomi's other daughter-in-law left for her own sake, Ruth stayed for Naomi's sake. When others looked for provision from men, Ruth looked for provision from Naomi's God. Ruth was determined to use her youth, not to her advantage, but to Naomi's.

Several years ago a dear friend of mind lost her husband of many years. He had done so many things around the large country house and yard that my friend didn't even realie it all. When he passed away, his financial provision was gone. His handiwork around the house was gone. She didn't kow how to start the mower, changed a flat tire or fix the finicky garage door. She had never even replaced a light bulb in the house. Suddenly, every repair was hers. Every bill had to be paid by her part-time secretarial position. Every night was spent alone. Every room was full of memories. But every day was empty of the company she once enjoyed.

No wonder Naomi tells her friends not to call her Naomi ("pleasantness"). Her life really was Mara ("bitter"). The story leaves her only one consolation, Ruth. It seems clear why God calls over and over again for the Israelites to take care of the widow and the orphan. Those who are left alone should never be left alone. How much sweeter life is with just one faithful companion.

Who is it in your life who has been left alone? Perhaps it is a widow. But it could be a friend who is left out of friend circles you are included in. It could be a neighbor who seems to live in isolation. It could be an elderly person at a nursing home or a handicapped person down the road. It could be a relative. It could be a stranger. It could even be you. There is no better way to find company that to be a companion.

 -Dave Ward

Perhaps God is calling you today to a ministry of faithful love. Do you want to be like God? Then be like Ruth.

© 2003 Kingdom Building Ministries.