Ruth: A Faithful Companion

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

How true it is that when the road becomes darkened, faithfulness, loyalty dissipates like the morning dew. Such is the recurring narrative of life. Not merely in our time, but for all of human history. The first humans to experience the threat of consequence turned on each other (Gen 3:12). The chosen people of God would turn against Him at the first signs of inconvenience (Ex 17:3). Even as pressures would increase, Judas, exposed to the greatness and genuineness of Christ would indulge the flesh and die faithlessly. So often, the case is that people are quick to cut the tethering cord. Faithfulness has become a rarity. The very act of selfless faithfulness is worthy of honor and praise.

This brings us to a widow. Having enjoyed 10 years of marriage, the Moabite Ruth, is struck with the widowhood. In fact, she is not the only one. Another Moabite, Orpah, faces widowhood. This leaves another widow, Naomi, completely without her flesh and blood (1:5). When left with three widows, disbandment is on the horizon, in fact, Orpah will return (1:14). In this emotional whirlwind of farewells we see an astonishing profession of faithfulness: “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 will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” (1:16-17). The Bible states that Ruth clung to her mother-in-law (1:14).

Ruth, a Moabite, clung to Naomi the Jew. Here is what this glowing moment shows us. First, the goodness of God was demonstrated and grasped - she is part of a people otherwise regarded as enemies of God and the Jews, yet chooses Him as God. Second, she allowed a human relationship to be real - she would not part from her mother-in-law out of love and concern for her. It is not to suggest “woe is Orpah!” but it is to suggest “how faithful is Ruth!”

Ruth provides us with a glimpse of true faithfulness. One which gives an embrace in darkness. One which looks to the well-being of the other. One which is determined to weather the storm because of an abundance of love.