Ruth’s Godly Resolve
Tuesday, December 16, 2025Key Verse
“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: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16-17).
Text — Ruth 1:12-18
Message
The phrase ‘crossing the Rubicon’ is an idiom that means ‘passing a point of no return’. Its meaning comes from the allusion to the crossing of the River Rubicon by Julius Caesar in about January 49 BC, according to Wikipedia. In today’s text, Ruth could return to her idolatrous Moabitish gods like Orpah, her partner, did. But she fell in love with Naomi and chose to serve the true and only God of Israel despite the apparent uncertainties around the person of her poor widow and mother-in-law. Naomi’s entreaties to discourage her were germane, but her personal resolve was more potent.
Ruth’s tenacity is undoubtedly a challenge to many young people today whose service and relationship with the Lord are based on favourable circumstances. They are good-weather Christians. They abandon God for the fleeting things of this world, like the mixed multitude in Israel’s congregation in their wilderness journey. Following Jesus when close friends desert us takes personal persuasion and conviction. Beyond salvation, seeking God for sanctification experience strengthens your resolve and empowers you to continue until you meet Christ.
Quote
Her resolve was more potent
Challenge
Have you decided to follow Jesus to the end?
Prayer for today
Lord, I ask for grace to follow you to the end.