“And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.”
Context:The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of loyalty, devotion, and redemption. It takes place during the time of the judges in Israel when there was a famine in the land. Ruth, a Moabite woman, had married an Israelite man named Mahlon. After her husband’s death, Ruth decided to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, instead of returning to her homeland. Ruth’s loyalty and commitment to Naomi became a significant part of her journey of faith.
Ruth’s obedience:In Ruth 3:5, we see Ruth’s response to Naomi’s instructions. Naomi advised Ruth on how to approach Boaz, a close relative who had the potential to become her kinsman-redeemer. Ruth’s willingness to follow Naomi’s guidance without hesitation demonstrates her trust in Naomi’s wisdom and the faith she had in God’s plan.
Trusting in the guidance of others:Ruth’s response to Naomi’s instructions reveals an important principle in our own lives as believers. Sometimes, God places people in our lives who can offer guidance and wisdom. In Ruth’s case, Naomi acted as a spiritual mentor to her. Ruth’s willingness to listen and obey Naomi’s instructions provides an example for us to trust in the counsel of wise and godly individuals.
Faith and action:Ruth’s words, “All that thou sayest unto me I will do,” reflect her faith in God’s provision and her readiness to take action. She recognized the opportunity for a potential redemption through Boaz, and her willingness to act demonstrated her faith in God’s faithfulness. Her faith was not passive but accompanied by action.
Application:Ruth’s attitude of obedience and trust serves as a powerful example for us today. It challenges us to consider our own response to God’s leading and the guidance of wise believers in our lives. Are we willing to obey God’s instructions even when they may seem unconventional or require stepping out of our comfort zones? Do we trust that God can work through people to accomplish His purposes in our lives?
God’s faithfulness:As we continue reading the book of Ruth, we see that Ruth’s obedience and faith are rewarded. God orchestrates circumstances, and Boaz becomes the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. This ultimately leads to the lineage of King David and, eventually, Jesus Christ.
In summary, Ruth 3:5 highlights Ruth’s obedience and trust in following Naomi’s guidance. It encourages us to consider the role of godly mentors and to be willing to step out in faith, trusting that God can use people and circumstances to fulfill His plans. It also reminds us of God’s faithfulness and how He can work through our obedience to bring about His purposes in our lives.
