Ruth’s Dedication, Ruth 1:16 / Matthew 19:23-30 / Ephesians 2:18-22 | Sermon by Father.Mungamuri Devadasu

Ruth clung to a traveler on a holy journey. She was going toward those who served the Lord. She held on to those who went where grace was found. Likewise, if we cling to the devout, we will acquire their virtues.

In Ruth’s story, two things stand out:

1. Following her departing mother-in-law
2. Not following her sister-in-law (Orpah), who left

(a) She left a foreign land.
(b) Therefore, she did not return.

Which of these is greater? Both have their significance. One must leave behind the old land and walk the holy path. Some cannot leave it, yet they desire to be with the devout.

Orpah wept bitterly. She kissed her mother-in-law but still left. Both acts were good, yet she could not do what Ruth did. Some outsiders may adopt certain practices, but they cannot leave their own ways and thus turn back.

You may attend meetings daily! You may listen to teachings! But if you do not change your habits, these two things alone are of no use. This is all an external story.

Naomi pleaded with her daughters-in-law not to follow her. At that moment, Ruth responded, "Do not ask me to leave you or turn back from following you." Similarly, if you continue attending meetings and worship, but your pastor tells you not to come from tomorrow, will you stop attending? Will you give up? Ruth did not give up.

She declared:

1. Where you go, I will go.
2. Where you live, I will live.
3. Your people will be my people.
4. Your God will be my God.
5. Where you die, I will die.
6. Where you are buried, I will be buried.
7. Nothing but death will separate me from you.

Can an outsider come to a preacher and say such words? Even if they say them, can they truly follow through? Ruth not only spoke these words but also clung to Naomi. Clinging is an action. She also made a firm commitment, saying, "If I ever break this covenant, may the Lord punish me severely!" This statement is like a seal—it cannot be broken. It is like a postal seal on a stamp. This decision reached God Himself.

Some outsiders leave everything behind and declare, "No matter what happens to us, we will not turn back. If we do, may God Himself punish us!" Ruth had to follow through with her decision. If she had not gone, all her words would have been meaningless. Once a decision is made, it must be fulfilled.

 

The Three Great Qualities in Ruth:

1. Decision
2. Commitment
3. Action

If you make such a decision, you will be like Ruth. Orpah, on the other hand, left. She was a test, an outsider. But Ruth was not influenced by Orpah’s departure.

Many who become Christians are influenced when their relatives cry and plead. That means they are being drawn back by the emotions of others. But Ruth was not moved by Orpah’s tears—she remained firm in her decision.

Ruth’s Firm Commitment

Christians are often cursed by outsiders. However, Ruth did not wait for others to curse her—she declared a curse upon herself if she ever broke her commitment. But because she remained firm in her decision, that curse never came upon her.

Orpah desired to follow, but she could not. Similarly, many outsiders may desire to become Christians, but they are unable to take that step.

For example, when a boy throws a stone at a monkey sitting on a tree, the monkey throws a fruit back at him. The boy then picks up the fruit and walks away happily. Likewise, when outsiders curse us, those very curses turn into blessings for us.

Prayer: - Merciful Father! Your child did not make a decision in the town or in the temple, but on the road. In the same way, all must make their own decision. From a ruined land, You have lifted up a precious jewel. She became like a diamond and travelled to the Holy Land. We pray in the name of the Lord, who is coming soon, that You do the same for these people. Amen.