There are several themes running through the book of Ruth. One is God’s providential care of his people. Another is the lineage of David. A third is how a non Israelite, Ruth, came to be part of the people of Israel. We shall concentrate on this latter theme beginning with chapter 1 of Ruth.

Chapter 1 of Ruth is about the commitment of Ruth. It is a magnificent chapter illustrating what commitment is like.

Ruth was a Moabitess. The book of Ruth is set in the days when judges ruled in Israel. We know from the book of Judges that the Israelites and the Moabites were enemies. How then did a woman from among the enemies of Israel become part of Israel? In this study we notice her commitment.

The facts of the story are well known. A man of Bethlehem, Elimelech, and wife Naomi and two sons go to the land of Moab because of famine in Judah. There the two sons marry Moabite women, one being Ruth. Elimelech and his two sons die and when Naomi plans to return to Judah she urges her daughters-in-law to stay with their people. But Ruth clings to Naomi. She manifests her commitment.

Ruth’s commitment is to the Lord God of Israel. She says that Naomi’s God shall be her God (1:16). Ruth came from a pagan background but had come to embrace the God of Israel. She came to see that the God of Israel was the only true God and committed herself to him. Naomi’s other daughter-in-law had a similar opportunity to follow after the true God but she decided to return to her gods - the idols of Moab.

Ruth’s commitment is to God’s people. Not only was Ruth committed to God but she was also committed to his people. She said to Naomi, “Your people shall be my people” (1:16). How precious to see her commitment to God’s people. We should be no different. I have met many New Zealanders who say they are Christians but who see no need to be committed to a church. This is not the attitude of Ruth. She not only was a believer but she was committed to God’s people.

Ruth’s commitment is made in times of much uncertainty. The book is full of tragedy. There is famine. There is bereavement. A mother loses her husband and her two sons who precede her in death. This would be a severe blow for any mother. Then there is uncertainty as to whether Israel would receive a Moabitess. Ruth’s commitment is made at a time of great uncertainty. Yet she is steadfast in her commitment.

Ruth’s commitment is for life. She said, “Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried” (1:17). Her’s is no short term commitment- it is for life, come what may.

In the N.Z. Herald of 15 October 2005 there is a report of a couple celebrating their diamond anniversary. After 60 years of marriage the couple remain together, totally committed. The husband made the comment that today many young people fail to understand that marriage is a contract. “You sign a contract in front of witnesses and if you don’t keep that contract you’re not much of a person.” Marriage is for life.

Whilst speaking at a church camp I overheard a man respond to the question “What is love?” by saying “Love is commitment.” I tend to agree. Love does not exclude feelings but essentially love is commitment. Ruth loved Naomi and proved it by her lifelong commitment.

Thus we have seen how Ruth was committed. The Lord God welcomes all peoples and calls you, Jew or Gentile, to commitment. He has made this possible by sending his Son Jesus Christ into this world. God spoke initially to the Jews but now speaks to all peoples by his Son Jesus Christ. Ruth, a non Jew, could come to faith in God. We also can come to a similar faith. Be committed people. Commitment is to the Lord, to his people, for life, in whatever circumstances you are in.

To be part of God’s family you must be committed. Jesus has committed himself to saving sinners. He laid down his life to prove his commitment. His commitment makes it possible for our commitment. Don’t be a fence sitter. Be committed today to the Lord.

(Summary of a sermon by David Yan)