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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 11 July 2025:
Here is a video overview of Ruth: https://bibleproject.com/videos/ruth/
Ruth 1:1-2 — In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land….
The Book of Ruth begins during the time of the judges—a season marked by spiritual and moral chaos: “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). This backdrop helps us understand the brokenness of the world Ruth enters. A famine in Bethlehem (“house of bread”) sends Elimelech and his family to Moab, a pagan land. The move reflects a choice driven by scarcity rather than spiritual trust. God had promised provision in the land, but Elimelech abandons it.
- Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Ruth 1:3-5 — But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died… and both Mahlon and Chilion died….
Tragedy unfolds quickly. Naomi loses her husband and both sons. Her plan for a better life ends in devastation. She is left alone with her daughters-in-law in a foreign land. The cost of compromise is high. But in this suffering, God is not absent—He is preparing a deeper redemption.
- Romans 8:28 — “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Ruth 1:6-13 — Then she arose… to return from the country of Moab…
Naomi hears that the Lord had visited His people and provided food. She decides to return home, a picture of repentance and renewed hope. Yet she urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. She believes her life is cursed and that there is no hope left. Bitterness is setting in.
- Lamentations 3:19-23 — Remember my affliction and my wanderings… But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases…
Ruth 1:14-18 — But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you… For where you go I will go… Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
Ruth’s declaration is among the most beautiful expressions of covenant love in Scripture. She chooses the unknown, the difficult, and the God of Israel over the comfort of her homeland. Ruth is not just showing loyalty to Naomi—she is pledging allegiance to Yahweh. She is a Moabite convert by faith.
- Luke 9:23 — If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
- Hebrews 11:6 — “And without faith it is impossible to please him…”
Ruth 1:16, 17 – “For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
True love is a commitment to fidelity for life. Ruth demonstrated this sort of commitment not only in her marriage but also in her extended relationships. To whom do you show this sort of commitment?
These words are often recited in weddings, but many don’t really mean what they are saying. Some have said these words truly believing they meant it, but they really didn’t have the heart for them. Peter said similar words to Jesus during the time of the Last Supper — “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” I believe Peter really meant what he said, but Jesus knew his true heart. Jesus knew Peter had not yet been perfected in love, but Jesus had a plan for Peter, to grow Peter in love. We have all failed in love and continue to fail in love. Jesus has a plan to make us leaders in love. In God’s grace, strive for greater love. Where you are still a Saul, Jesus has a plan to make you a Paul. Can you also see a Paul in the Sauls around you?
Ruth 1:19-22 — “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.”
Naomi returns home broken and empty. She believes her story is one of loss, but she does not yet see the divine reversal that is beginning. Ruth, the Moabite, walks silently with her—a picture of grace and promise. The chapter closes with this note: they arrived “at the beginning of barley harvest.” God is about to provide.
- Isaiah 61:3 — To grant to those who mourn… to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning…
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 11 July 2025: Ruth 1 is about the road from despair to hope, from self-reliance to faith, from emptiness to fullness. Naomi and Ruth both begin a journey of return—one physical, the other spiritual. Ruth’s courageous faith and Naomi’s honest lament both invite us to trust God through grief and to cling to Him when our way seems uncertain. Today, reflect on areas where bitterness may be clouding your vision of God’s goodness. Choose, like Ruth, to walk by faith. God writes the most beautiful redemptive stories through those who refuse to let go of Him.
Pray: “Lord, when I feel empty, remind me that You are the God who fills. When my heart is bitter, sweeten it with Your grace. Help me walk the hard road of faith, like Ruth, and trust Your unseen plan. Lead me home. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 