Now Naomi awaited a harsh lifestyle as an ignored and possibly manipulated woman destined to a life of poverty. Planning to return to Judah and hoping for the help of a relative to face her fate, Emlimech’s widow encouraged both daughters-in-law to remain in their native land, a consciously selfless and gracious gesture. Ruth, through an attitude combining resistance to Naomi’s urge with genuine human unconditional compassion, vowed to stay with her mother-in-law until death. Scripture records, “When she [Naomi] saw that she [Ruth] was determined to go with her, she [Naomi] said no more to her” [Ruth].
Resolution, so simple, so direct, so beautiful, and hope in the person of Ruth and her loving presence rose up in the heart of Naomi.
The rest of the story narrates the Father’s bounty of love and provision, both to Ruth and Naomi. They came through hard times by the grace of God and the willingness of one person, Ruth, to declare and keep “until whenever” compassion to her friend. Just being alongside another person on the way through an economic disruption may be enough. The Holy Spirit who comes alongside us always is enough.
