Saturday, February 12

Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people will be my people, and your God my God.
—Ruth 1:16

This verse is often read at weddings as an indicator of the love between husband and wife. I agree that it should be read at weddings, but it is better suited to be a covenant with the in-laws.

Ruth speaks these words to her mother-in-law Naomi. Naomi is leaving the country after the death of her husband and is returning to her native land. Ruth, also widowed, has vowed to go with her, even though Naomi’s homeland is foreign soil, even enemy soil. It’s not a safe move for Ruth.

Naomi is headed home so that her kinsfolk can care for her. A woman without a man was in jeopardy in that day, and it was easier for a widow to find support with her family of origin. In following Naomi, Ruth is leaving her father’s country. Naomi’s other daughter-in-law sees the danger of this and turns back. Ruth’s love, however, clings to Naomi and she accepts the danger.

I think the truly loving relationships we have in our lives teach us about the love of God, and the love of Ruth for Naomi is no exception. The willingness of Ruth to follow Naomi anywhere she goes, no matter what it might mean for her own well-being, is part of what we get ourselves into when we accept a relationship with God.

From Abraham to the disciples of Jesus, God has this tendency to show up and ask people to leave everything behind and follow. Ruth shows us that in the loving heart, there is no fear…only a desire to be with the one we love, wherever they are. When God calls, we go…not out of fear, duty, or even obedience, but out of love for the one who asks.

I am ready, God. Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; and you will be my God. Amen.

These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2006.