OBEDIENCE IN HARD WORK
The last character we will look at who lived a life of obscurity is Ruth. If you’ve never read the story of Ruth, take some time to read this short but powerful story about how God invites broken but obedient people to be a part of his family. After Ruth’s husband died, Ruth no longer had an obligation to her mother-in-law, who actually insisted that Ruth return to her family and find a new husband. However, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi and return to the land of Judah. In chapter 1 we see Ruth’s famous words showing her commitment:
“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. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”–Ruth 1:16–17
It’s important to understand that Ruth did not grow up knowing who God was. She grew up in a pagan nation that worshiped other gods. When she made the decision to stay with Naomi, she was also making the decision to choose God over the life that she grew up in. Ruth would be moving to a foreign country, how intimidating and scary!
In their new home, Ruth and Naomi did not have husbands to take care of them. If they wanted to eat and survive, Ruth was going to have to figure it out. Ruth had to humble herself and be content with gathering leftover harvest from a field that was owned by Boaz, a relative of her late father-in-law. She didn’t take her responsibility lightly. Ruth was obedient and faithful, willing to get her hands dirty and sweat for the sake of providing for her mother-in-law.
Boaz noticed Ruth’s hard work and kindness. What began as a story of obedience in obscurity turns into a beautiful story of redemption and hope for Ruth. In the end, Boaz and Ruth marry and give birth to a son. A story that seemed sad, obscure, and hopeless was turned around because of a woman’s willingness to follow God and be obedient to the work he put before her.
The work we do may not be glamorous. Like Ruth, we may be required to work for leftovers and exert ourselves for small payouts. What’s powerful about Ruth’s story is that God honors her obedience, hard work, and faithfulness. Ruth will eventually become the great-grandmother to King David, whose descendants include Jesus. Ruth’s obedience put her in the family tree of the Savior of the World! Her seemingly obscure life was actually a pivotal part of God’s Redemption Plan.
Being faithful and content with the work God calls us to on a daily basis is challenging. It requires us to work hard and be okay with seemingly small outcomes. Are we okay being obedient for the sake of being obedient, not for the sake of gaining a great reward?
Read Ruth 2.
- How does God protect and provide for Ruth?
- In what circumstances do you find it hard to be obedient (to God, your parents, authority)?
- In what ways do you need to be faithful today even in seemingly small tasks?