Study 4 – The Lord approves loyalty

Read Ruth 1.15-22

We turn now from the Lord’s chastisement to the Lord’s honouring Ruth’s loyalty toward her mother-in-law, v17. Now I know I am “stealing a march” on the story in making this point about the Lord honouring loyalty. If you were reading the story for the first time you would not know how it all works out for the good. But I want to draw attention to Ruth’s unequivocal statement of loyalty – to Naomi and to God – because it is so important. You will read of Ruth’s loyalty again in each chapter.

V17          The Lord do so to me, and more also if… The phraseology that Ruth used was in the form of an affidavit or sworn testimony. Some solicitors are public notaries. They can receive the testimony or statement from someone and then it has legal status. That is an affidavit. Ruth’s words were an oath. Exactly what she challenged the Lord to do if she failed in her oath is not expressed.

This style of oath is seen several times in the Bible. [1] It is a calling God to witness the sincerity of what is uttered to another person. For example, Abraham did this when he raised his hand and swore before the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take…anything that is yours…” (Genesis 14.22-23).

So it is, the Lord is pleased with sincere words and promises insofar as those things are in accordance with Scripture. Do not be rash with your mouth, nor let not your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and are you on earth. Therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5.2.

The Lord honoured Ruth for her loyalty to Naomi. She had no self-seeking in accompanying her mother-in-law, for there was nothing much on offer, and yet she reaped blessings that she could never have dreamed of, as the rest of the story tells us.

Consider: God will honour those who honour him. He approves loyalty. But, of course, this not a message that good works produce rewards from God. Rather, where there are good works – expressions of loyalty – covenant faithfulness – determined discipleship – all these are preceded and prompted by the grace of God.

It is when we respond to the grace of God in our lives and live loyally before him he is well-pleased. If we are careful to honour our commitments to the Lord, to one another, and are very careful not to make rash promises, then, I believe, we may heartily expect that God will bless us and prosper us in the way he leads us – as he did Naomi and Ruth – ultimately unto the eternal Promised Land.

Pray: Father God, I will set a watch over my lips and guard my mouth that I may never utter words rashly and so be careful to fulfil that which I promise. Help me always to have my speech seasoned with grace so that I may know how to answer everyone who asks me about the hope that I have in you. I renew my loyalty to you and to all those whom you have placed in my circle of love and care. Amen.

Michael S. Bostock, October 2020.

[1] See 2 Samuel 3.35; 19.13; 1 Kings 2.23.