Ruth 3:9-11(NLT)
“9“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.” 10 “The LORD bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. 11 Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.
Most single believers that are women have heard the Old Testament record of Ruth and Boaz. We certainly live in a different time now, but the example of womanhood that Ruth leaves us is no less relevant and profound. She was truly a different kind of woman. The first element of distinction that we learn is the incredible humility she showed to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth was from Moab, and Moabites notoriously worshipped idols. Naomi was a Jewish woman that worshipped the One True Living God. Ruth pledged her allegiance to serve God because of her loyalty to Naomi. After Naomi tried to convince Ruth to go home to her people, Ruth said to her in Ruth 1:16(NLT), “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
The Book of Ruth reveals that Ruth followed and cared for Naomi dutifully, and because she humbly adhered to Naomi’s counsel and instructions, she redeemed Naomi’s family and ended up marrying Boaz, a man of great wealth and respect in the region. Hers is more than a rags to riches story. It is the testament to what happens when we are patient, humble, and willing to serve. The moves that Ruth made were drenched in humility and respect, and her reward for it was great.
Many women, especially younger women, don’t have the dedication to listen and be attentive to the instruction of those wiser than them. Proverbs 15:22(ESV) says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” We need wise advisers in our lives. These are people that speak the truth whether or not we like it or want to hear it. They won’t compromise when it comes to God’s Word and their wisdom comes from years of walking faithfully with Him. They can help us stick to Godliness so that we are not deterred or railroaded by tricks and temptations of the devil.
The psalmist prayed in Psalm 119:35(NLT), “Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.” Many women have neglected to recognize the truth of this verse. They might think happiness can be found outside of God’s commands, but they will be saddly mistaken in this assumption. God’s treasures are released through our obedience to what He says.
It should never be lost on us that good men are as concerned about finding a good woman as we are about finding them. When we’re trusting God, we don’t have to know all the details concerning the man we’ll ultimately marry. And we certainly don’t have to chase him down. Heavenly Father is in charge of bringing destiny partners together. He knows the details. Our responsibility is to make sure that we are humble before God through Christ, that we are continually in prayer, and ready to follow his instruction and direction accordingly. We must respond to God in the faith of Jesus Christ by doing the things He says. When this is our commitment, we will enjoy the walk with God towards marriage, and He will make sure our marital union and our homes are filled with loyalty, honor, and love. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“A Marriage of Honor and Loyalty”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2021. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.