“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after 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:” Ruth 1:16
It is believed that the events of Ruth took place during the time of the judges during: religious apostasy, political disorganization, and social chaos. It is possible that Naomi and Ruth were part of a remnant.(Described by several commentaries)
Ruth, a Gentile, believed in the God of Israel, left what she knew, to journey to a new place. She chose to serve the God of Naomi and help her. She could have lived out her human destiny instead she followed her divine destiny something that I have been learning about at Plainfield. She refused to let her past hold her back. Ruth 1: 18 describes Ruth as, “…stedfastly minded to go with her,” so Naomi, “…left speaking unto her.” This story spoke to me of what was referred to during our last Roundtable as a “testing” time. Ruth has a loss, she humbled herself to, “glean ears of corn”; she gave up the old and familiar not to make herself more comfortable but seeking to be closer to God.
In the Science and Health portion of this Lesson Mrs. Eddy writes, “‘Work out your own salvation,’ is the demand of Life and Love, for to this end God worketh with you. ‘Occupy till I come!’ Wait for your reward, and ‘be not weary in well doing.’ If your endeavors are beset by fearful odds, and you receive no present reward, go not back to error, nor become a sluggard in the race. When the smoke of battle clears away, you will discern the good you have done, and receive according to your deserving”
Boaz says to Ruth, “The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” Ruth 2: 12
Thank you Lesson writers!