Ruth 1:1-19

Entreat Me Not to Leave Thee

Entreat me not to leave thee. These words, spoken from a transformed heart, brought forth one of the greatest stories of love. Words which came from an unselfish, renewed heart of a daughter-in-law, Ruth, to her mother-in-law, Naomi, whom Ruth deeply loved. It was while they traveled the dusty road to return to Bethlehem, the House of Bread, these precious words were spoken. Words which birthed a love story that transcend time.

Naomi’s husband and sons died in Moab. She prepared to return home to Bethlehem. She and her two daughters-in-law left to do so. It was on the journey to Bethlehem, with a heavy heart, Naomi instructed them to return to Moab. Orpah chose to return, Ruth did not. Her heart was with her Mother-in-law. Naomi and Ruth kissed Orpah goodbye. Hear Ruth’s heart.

An anguished heart cried do not beg me to leave you, Mother. Entreat me not to do this thing for I will go with you. Where you go, I will go. Did you not tell me Bethlehem was the House of Bread? You taught me the prophets foretold that out of Bethlehem would come The Living Bread. Why must I return to Moab? A place which did not feed my soul. Moab was not Living Bread.

Mother, your heart was broken as was mine. Great was our sorrow three times over. Your husband, and two sons departed from your life. My husband, brother-in-law and father-in-law departed from mine. Yet we trusted Jehovah. The One you taught me to trust. The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Naomi. I would not leave you nor would I leave God. He never left us.

With these heart-felt words, Ruth and Naomi continued their journey with steps toward home. The journey to Bethlehem, would be long, difficult, and tedious. They were weary travelers on a dusty, dry road. How they longed to reach home. Ruth did not count the way as difficult. No sacrifice was too great. She loved Naomi. Faith and hope in their hearts sustained them.

Yes, Mother, I know our place to lodge in Bethlehem is uncertain. So be it. Where you lodge, so shall I. I will lay my head where you lay yours. With you and your people I will live. Your people shall be my people. It was your heart-given love to me that made it so. Many times, I felt your comfort and assurance in my soul when I learned I was created in the image of God and after His likeness. Not after the image of Lot, my forefather, and his daughters, which made me a Moabitess.

Come Mother. I know your body is tired and your spirit worn. God shall renew our strength as we wait on Him. We shall run and not be weary. We shall walk and not faint. Lean on me. There are many miles yet to travel. I am your strength now as you have been mine for so many years.

Onward they pressed. The way stretched out long before them. Miles after miles of dust, rough terrain, hot sun, but their determination was great. With faces which reflected courage, and steadfastness, onward they trod to Bethlehem, unto the land of Judah.   

Mother, why did you want to send me away? Away from God’s love and yours. My soul is joined to yours. Where you die, I will die. Where you are buried, there will I be buried. Only death shall part you from me. I go with you unto Bethlehem. We will praise God on our journey as well as in the land of Judah.

I know your body is tired, Mother. We shall come through this together. God shall renew our strength as we wait on Him. We shall run and not be weary. We shall walk and not faint. There are a few more miles to travel. Our journey shall end together, the way it started. Lean on me. I will be your strength as you have been mine. And, so they went until they came to Bethlehem, unto the land of Judah.

Bound by unselfish love to her mother-in-law, Ruth never wavered in her devotion to her. Her faithfulness never wavered. She stepped out on faith and clung to Naomi in trust. Trust established in her love for Naomi and God.

What a love. A love which withstood adversity, loss, deep sorrow, and pain. Wrapped in the love of Ruth were honor, respect, reverence, and obedience unto Naomi. The decision to never leave Naomi was not a difficult one to make. A decision that never faltered in courage, support, and understanding. Love in action.

It was through the lineage of this Moabitess woman, with such a great love toward another, our Savior, Christ Jesus came. Love in action.

Ruth’s love to Naomi is the same love God expresses to us. Love in action.