“For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people and your God, my God.”
Ruth 1: 16b (ESV)
It was not customary for women to be included in genealogies, but Ruth played an important role and was included in the genealogy of Jesus. Ruth was Naomi’s daughter-in-law and the following poem I have written tells the story of the book of Ruth up until the time Ruth chose to accompany Naomi on her return trip to Bethlehem and spoke the words in the scripture above.
A famine came to Bethlehem
Food was scarce and it was then
Naomi and family packed and fled
To Moab so they could be fed.
Naomi’s husband eventually died.
Her heart was broken and she cried.
But God blessed her surviving sons
With Moabite women their hearts were won.
Orpah and Ruth were the women wed.
But in time their husbands were also dead.
Now that the men were dead and gone
That left the women all alone.
Food was again in Bethlehem.
Naomi decided to go home and then
Orpah stayed, but Ruth and Naomi went
Ruth’s love for Naomi was really meant.
Ruth said, “Where you go, I will go”
Your home will be mine forever and so
Your God will be my God of faith
Ruth is an example of faith and grace.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for Ruth’s story and her part in protecting Jesus’ lineage. Especially during this Advent season may we celebrate with grateful hearts our faith in Jesus Christ and His love for us. Amen
Lorraine Ward