What did Ruth see?

What did Ruth see?
Ruth’s Perspective: Seeing Beyond the Chaos
Ruth’s story begins in a time of despair, tragedy, and uncertainty. As a Moabite woman, she was well aware of the deep division between her people and the Israelites. She likely grew up hearing of the curse spoken over her nation—that the Moabites would never be allowed into the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:3). Yet, amidst these circumstances, Ruth saw something that changed the trajectory of her life.
When Ruth married into the family of Elimelech and Naomi, she must have observed the faith and practices of this Israelite household. Despite their hardships—famine, loss, and displacement—Ruth saw in Naomi a resilience that stemmed from her relationship with the God of Israel. Naomi’s sorrow was profound, having lost her husband and both sons, but Ruth saw beyond the pain. She glimpsed the holiness of God in Naomi’s life and the covenant promises that still lingered even in their suffering.
Ruth Saw God’s Holiness in Judgment
As a Moabite, Ruth would have known her nation’s history with Israel. She likely understood that her people had been excluded from the assembly of God because of their idolatry and opposition to Israel (Numbers 22–24). Yet, instead of viewing this judgment with resentment, Ruth saw the holiness of God. She recognized a God who was just and righteous—a God who did not tolerate sin but also provided a way for redemption through covenant obedience.
This awareness stirred something in Ruth. While others might have retreated into despair or bitterness, she saw in Naomi’s God a hope and a refuge. She realized that the God of Israel was not like the pagan gods of Moab. He was a God who could forgive, restore, and shelter even the most unlikely individuals. Ruth saw this as her only hope.
Ruth Saw Love in Naomi’s Faith
Despite Naomi’s losses, Ruth saw a steadfastness in her mother-in-law’s faith. Naomi’s lament, “The Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20), was not a rejection of God but an honest expression of grief. Ruth saw that Naomi, even in her brokenness, had not abandoned her God. This faith, however shaken, reflected a trust that Ruth could not ignore.
Ruth understood that Naomi’s God was not merely the God of Israel but the God of heaven and earth. She saw in Naomi a woman who, despite her suffering, remained tethered to a divine hope. This moved Ruth to make a life-changing decision.
Ruth’s Choice: A Response to What She Saw
Ruth’s famous declaration in Ruth 1:16–17 was not a decision made lightly:
“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. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried.”
In these words, Ruth expressed her complete surrender. She saw something in Naomi’s God that her Moabite gods could never offer—hope, redemption, and a future. She chose to align herself with Naomi’s people and her God, fully aware of the cost. She knew she would likely face rejection as a Moabite in Israel. She knew that her heritage and history were against her. Yet, what Ruth saw in God was worth forsaking her past.
Ruth Saw God’s Redemption Beyond the Pain
Ruth also saw beyond her immediate circumstances. Though her life was marked by loss and uncertainty, she believed that the God of Israel could redeem her story. This belief positioned her to receive God’s favor. Her journey led her to Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, who not only restored her but brought her into the lineage of the Messiah (Matthew 1:5). Ruth’s decision to follow God, despite the challenges, set in motion events that would change history.
This teaches us a profound truth: when we see God’s love, holiness, and faithfulness even in difficult circumstances, we position ourselves for His redemptive work. Ruth’s life is a testament to the power of aligning our decisions with God’s purposes, trusting that He will orchestrate all things for good (Romans 8:28).
Seeing as Ruth Saw: Lessons for Today
Ruth’s story challenges us to see as she did. She saw God’s holiness in judgment, His love in suffering, and His faithfulness in despair. Often, when we face challenges, we focus on outward emotions and fail to discern God’s heart. Like Ruth, we must look beyond our circumstances and recognize God’s greater plan.
Even when life seems barren, as it did for Naomi and Ruth, God’s provision is at work. Ruth’s choice to follow Naomi’s God was a declaration of faith that invited heaven’s intervention. Her story reminds us that when we choose to see God’s hand in our lives, even through trials, we open ourselves to His transformative power.
In our lives, like Ruth, we must choose to see God’s holiness and love even when nothing seems good. It is in these moments of faith that God works to redeem, restore, and transform. Ruth’s story encourages us to fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, trusting in the eternal promises of God (2 Corinthians 4:18).

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