COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION

PROCLAMATION

“And Ruth said, ‘Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following thee; for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.  Where thou diest, I will die, and there will I be buried; The Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”  Ruth 1:16-17 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

This Bible Book of Ruth was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Prophet Samuel.  The first chapter begins with the account of Elimelek, a man from Bethlehem in Judah, who went to Moab with his wife Naomi and his two sons because of the famine in his homeland. (Ruth 1:1-2)  While there both of his sons married Moabite women.  After living there for ten years, Elimelek and both of his sons died leaving Naomi alone with the wives of her sons, Orpah and Ruth. (Ruth 1:3-5)  Naomi told both daughters-in-law to return to their home and families, and maybe they would find a new husband.  They cried and then Orpah kissed Naomi and said goodbye, but Ruth clung to her and would not leave. (Ruth 1:6-14)  Naomi urged Ruth to also return to her home but she was determined to stay with her until death parted them.  She was so insistent and her commitment was so strong that Naomi stopped urging Ruth to leave. (Ruth 1:15-18)  Then the two women left Moab and journeyed to Bethlehem where Naomi was well known. (Ruth 1:19-22)

 

APPLICATION

This is an example of true repentance, real dedication, and absolute commitment.  This demonstrates a steadfast determination of Ruth to stay with Naomi until her death.   Modern marriage partners should have this level of commitment to each other.  Marriage vows should be as strong as this.  Ruth did not marry Naomi but her commitment to stay with her until death separated them is as strong as a marriage vow.  Unfortunately today too many of our personal relationships are only temporary and fleeting.  People will tell you that they will be with you “through thick and thin” only to leave you “high and dry” when the going gets difficult and you really need them.  Let us make “Ruth type” commitments to our loved ones.