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Ruth 1:16-17 – Praying through the Bible #81 – A Prayer that is a Family Promise
Did you hear the joke about the mother-in-law? Apparently, neither did Ruth. In the little book bearing her name, there are no recorded prayers; but there is a prayer-like promise invoking God’s name.
The story of Ruth is not about Ruth. The focus is not a love story between the progenitors of David, Ruth and Boaz. The central character is Naomi. Even when a child is born to Ruth and Boaz, the child is said to be Naomi’s: “A son has been born to Naomi” (Ruth 4.17). The central lesson is God is faithful through a redeemer (i.e, Boaz). The most faithful person in this story is not even an Israelite. She is a Moabite.
Naomi is bereft of her husband and sons. When intending to return to Israel, Naomi does not show herself very faithful to Yahweh. After Orpah is persuaded not to follow, Naomi tells Ruth, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law” (1.15). At this time, Naomi is not too happy with her God: “My life is much too bitter for you to share, because the LORD’s hand has turned against me” (1.13). Apparently worshiping another god is just fine. Heed the warnings: bitterness can turn us away from faithfulness, excluding others preferring isolation, and lead us to lead others astray.
This is where we have the beloved and loving, famous and faithful dedication from Ruth to her mother-in-law: “Do not persuade me to leave you or go back and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and where you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May Yahweh punish me, and do so severely, if anything but deaths separates you and me” (1.16-17). Ruth too has suffered loss; her husband died. Who knows what happened to her biological family, but she is not returning to them. Were they dead too? Did they disown her because she married an Israelite? Did Ruth realize Naomi needed her? Does she have a stronger faith in Yahweh than in Moabite gods? We don’t know much, but it brings up an interesting question. Who is family?
Recently I heard a great adoption story. A 60 year old man got adopted. For years, he had been helping an elderly gentleman. The older man had outlived 5 wives, had children and much property. He told his hired hand and friend, “You’ve never seen any of my family come visit me in all these years. If I just will you my property, they will fight it. If I adopt you, they can’t do anything.”
Ever since I can remember, I have thought family is not who you are biologically related too; family is who cares to be part of your life. Ruth knew this, and probably wouldn’t appreciate hearing that mother-in-law joke.
Prayer Challenge: Pray we close our hearts to bitterness and open them to service. Pray we will care for those needing us and make them family.
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