Introduction
The book of Ruth opens with sorrow, loss, and uncertainty, yet it unfolds into a beautiful story of redemption and steadfast love. At the heart of Ruth 1 is the decision of a Moabite woman to leave behind her homeland and follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, to a foreign land. Ruth’s unwavering commitment to Naomi mirrors the call of Jesus to follow Him wholeheartedly. In John 6:68, Peter declares, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Just as Ruth chose to follow Naomi, trusting in the God of Israel, so too are we called to follow Jesus, who alone offers life and redemption.
1. A Time of Crisis and Decision
Ruth 1 begins with famine and grief. Naomi and her family leave Bethlehem for Moab due to a food shortage, but tragedy strikes—Naomi loses her husband and both of her sons. Left with her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem after hearing that the Lord had provided food for His people.
Naomi urges Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab, remarry, and find rest in their homeland. Orpah eventually departs, but Ruth clings to Naomi, making one of the most profound declarations of faith in Scripture:
“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.” (Ruth 1:16, ESV)
This moment of decision parallels the call of Jesus. He asks us to leave behind our old life and follow Him with unwavering devotion, even when the path is uncertain.
2. The Cost of Following
Ruth’s choice was costly. She left behind her family, culture, and security to embrace an unfamiliar land and a new identity among God’s people. Likewise, Jesus calls His followers to count the cost of discipleship:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, ESV)
When Peter and the disciples faced a moment of crisis after many abandoned Jesus due to His difficult teachings, Peter responded with unwavering faith:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68, ESV)
Like Ruth, who refused to turn back, Peter recognized that following Jesus was the only way to true life. Jesus, our faithful companion, invites us to trust Him completely, even when the journey is difficult.
3. From Emptiness to Fulfillment
Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Though Naomi is bitter and broken, Ruth remains steadfast. This is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ redemptive work—how He leads us from emptiness to abundance.
Naomi returns to Bethlehem believing she has lost everything, but in God’s providence, Ruth will become the key to her restoration. This mirrors the Gospel message: Jesus meets us in our emptiness and provides what we truly need—Himself. He does not abandon us in our suffering but walks with us, as Ruth did with Naomi.
4. Jesus: The Greater Ruth
While Ruth exemplifies loyalty and sacrifice, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of these qualities. He left His heavenly home to dwell among us, took on human suffering, and redeemed us with His own life. Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi led to her becoming part of the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). In the same way, when we follow Jesus, we become part of His eternal kingdom.
Jesus not only calls us to follow Him, but He remains faithful to us even when we struggle. He is our ever-present companion, just as Ruth was to Naomi. When we choose to follow Him, we find the life and hope we long for.
Conclusion: Will You Follow?
Ruth’s story challenges us to ask: Will we follow Jesus, even when the road ahead is uncertain? Will we cling to Him as Ruth clung to Naomi, trusting that He is leading us to something greater?
The decision to follow Jesus is not merely about obligation but about recognizing that He alone has the words of eternal life. Like Ruth, may we say, “Where You go, I will go.” And like Peter, may we confess, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”
Jesus, our faithful companion, is calling. Will you follow Him?
