Ruth clung to Naomi, making a declaration of devotion to a new people, a new God.
“…Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
The route to Bethlehem was undoubtedly paved with expectancy, wonder and even a bit of trepidation. For this homecoming was across the way to a foreign place in a foreign land. Traveling on harsh terrain wearied the body, but if never dragged down the soul. She knew the end of the road stood the “House of Bread” and she would partake of the Lord’s harvest.
We, too are like Ruth. Journeying to an unfamiliar homeland beyond what our mind can conceive and beyond all comprehension. We cling to hope and trust and love, journey side by side with the faithful and wait for our Redeemer to welcome us in. The gates will fling open and we will cross the river of life whose living streams never cease, partaking of never ending harvest.
“…the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.” Revelation 22:1-2
Words of Ruth will echo straight to our hearts, only they won’t be declared by our fellow, weary travelers, they will resound in the chorus of angels and thunder from the heart of God.
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:2-3
Like the voices of those who witnessed God’s faithfulness in the days of old, we will say, “Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today.” Ruth 4:14
Press on, sojourners. We are on our way home.
