Ruth’s Resolution ,Ruth 1:16 | John 15:1-15 | Romans 8:38-39 | Sermon by Father.Mungamuri Devadasu

The Message of the Book of Ruth: Redemption brings true rest, and that rest is found at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The central theme of this book is a love story. Ruth’s lineage became part of the divine plan, flowing through the genealogy of the Lord. While the world is filled with countless love stories—many of which depict impure love—Ruth’s story is different.

This is a sacred love story, illustrating the deep and unwavering devotion of a daughter-in-law to her mother-in-law. Believers have rightfully called it a "holy love story."

Ruth’s marriage serves as a model for the world. It was a union established by God, free from worldly desires or fleshly lust. The divine purpose of marriage, as intended by God, was perfectly fulfilled in her life.

The blessing of offspring is part of God’s design, and Ruth’s marriage aligned with this purpose. Unfortunately, many modern marriages fall short of fulfilling this divine intention.

Key Aspects of Ruth’s Resolution

1. "Where you go, I will go" (Ruth 1:16) – When the Lord calls us to go somewhere, we must obey without hesitation. If we refuse to go where He leads, we fail to truly commit ourselves to Him.
2. "Where you stay, I will stay" (Ruth 1:16) – A believer must dwell where the Lord is present. We should serve according to His guidance. Only those who walk with Him on earth will inherit the eternal dwelling places He promised in John 14:2: “In my Father’s house are many rooms.”
3. "Your people will be my people" (Ruth 1:16) – After accepting Christ, one must join the fellowship of His people. This holy fellowship transcends all barriers of nationality, language, and race, uniting all believers as one family in Christ.
4. "Your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16) – This is the heart of Ruth’s resolution and a profound declaration of faith. When a believer accepts Christ, they become a child of God and enter into His family. Declaring “My God” signifies a complete departure from past traditions and a wholehearted commitment to God’s ways.

The Book of Ruth – A Sacred Novel

Dr. Samuel Johnson, the renowned English lexicographer, referred to the Book of Ruth as a sacred novel. He read it aloud to club members, guiding them toward the Lord Jesus Christ. This book beautifully portrays the holy love between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law. In every aspect of her life, Ruth obeyed Naomi’s instructions wholeheartedly.

From Ruth’s lineage came the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of this, the Moabite woman Ruth became part of God’s divine plan, symbolizing how outsiders can be grafted into God’s family. Just as an unripe mango, when attached to a good tree, matures into a quality fruit, we—who were once outsiders—have been united with the Lord and made worthy.

Women’s Names in the Bible: Ruth & Esther

The Bible contains two books named after women: Ruth and Esther.

• Esther, an Israelite woman, married a foreign king.
• Ruth, a foreigner, was united with Boaz, an Israelite.
• Esther did not become part of a foreign nation, but Ruth became part of Israel.

When Esther spoke, the king listened. Similarly, when the bride (the Church) calls upon the Lord Jesus Christ, He hears. A prayer without praise is incomplete, just as a house is often chaotic before a wedding but finds order afterward.

Redemption Brings Rest

This is the central message of Ruth’s story. She left behind what needed to be abandoned and came to where she belonged. Because of her surrender, she received redemption.

Ruth left behind what had to be abandoned and arrived where she was meant to be, and because of this, she found redemption. Without letting go of the past, redemption remains out of reach. Therefore, we must forsake what must be left behind and move toward where we belong.

O believer! Abandon what must be forsaken and draw near to the Beloved. There are many righteous people among the nations, but do they have redemption? Only by coming to the Lord Jesus Christ can one find holiness and true redemption.

The Beauty of Ruth’s Story

The story of Ruth, a young woman, unfolds across four chapters. Its beauty stems from sorrow and sacrifice—from her relationship with her mother-in-law and her unwavering commitment.

Ruth’s first sorrow was filled with tears, yet that sorrow led her to Bethlehem. The Bible presents a love between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law so deep that the world had never known it before. No book has ever captured such love as found in this one. Many writings exist in this world, but when compared to Ruth’s resolution, they pale in significance. Her words to Naomi shine like a radiant pearl among all the writings of the world. This is the resolution of the Bride. O Church! How does your resolution shine?

Ruth’s Story in the Time of the Judges

The events of Ruth’s story took place during the time of the Judges, a period of spiritual instability—of falling and rising—a time resembling a desert wilderness. Travelers in the wilderness long for water. Likewise, during this chaotic period, Ruth’s story brought refreshing joy, much like a lake appearing in a dry land. It was a source of hope and delight in an era filled with uncertainty.