Ruth's Journey: Loyalty, Love, and Transformation
Summary
The story of Ruth begins in a time of chaos and spiritual inconsistency, during the days of the judges, when “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Against this backdrop, a family from Bethlehem—Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons—leave their home because of famine and settle in Moab. Tragedy strikes: Elimelech dies, and later both sons die as well, leaving Naomi and her Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, in a place of deep loss and uncertainty.
Names in this story carry weight. Elimelech means “my God is king,” Naomi means “pleasant,” but her sons’ names—Mahlon and Chilion—mean “sickness” and “consumption,” hinting at the frailty of what we produce in our own strength. The emptiness of Bethlehem, the “house of bread,” is a picture of what happens when God’s people stray, but also a reminder of God’s mercy when He restores provision.
As Naomi prepares to return to Bethlehem, she urges her daughters-in-law to go back to their own families and gods. Orpah, after much weeping, kisses Naomi goodbye and returns to Moab. Ruth, however, clings to Naomi, making a declaration of loyalty that transcends family ties: “Where you go, I will go; your people will be my people, and your God my God.” This is not just a commitment to Naomi, but a turning point of faith—a move from the paganism of Moab to trust in the God of Israel.
This moment is a crossroads that every believer faces: will we “kiss God” and walk away when things are hard, or will we cleave to Him, even when the storehouse is empty and the future uncertain? Ruth’s choice to stay, to love, and to follow God leads to her becoming part of the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. Her story is a call to move from mere acquaintance with God to deep relationship, to let love for Him transform our actions, our priorities, and our destiny.
The challenge is clear: in seasons of loss and testing, will we settle for a passing connection with God, or will we hold fast, letting our loyalty and love for Him shape our lives and our legacy?
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Key Takeaways
- Names and Identity: What We Produce in Our Own Strength
The names of Naomi’s sons—Mahlon (“sickness”) and Chilion (“consumption”)—remind us that what we create apart from God is often weak and fleeting. Our own efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot produce lasting fruit without God’s presence and blessing. This challenges us to examine whether we are building our lives on our own strength or on the foundation of God’s Word and Spirit. [07:45]
- The Emptiness of the ‘House of Bread’ and the Need for Spiritual Nourishment
Bethlehem, meaning “house of bread,” was ironically empty during the famine, symbolizing how even places or people meant to be sources of spiritual nourishment can become barren when disconnected from God. We must ensure that our own “house of bread”—our hearts and homes—are filled by regularly consuming God’s Word and seeking His presence, lest we become spiritually empty even while surrounded by religious activity. [11:01]
- The Crossroads of Loyalty: Kiss or Cleave
Orpah’s kiss and Ruth’s clinging represent two responses to hardship and uncertainty. Every believer faces moments where it is easier to walk away from God than to hold on. True loyalty is not measured by emotion in the moment, but by the decision to stay, to trust, and to follow God even when it costs us comfort or certainty. [15:11]
- Transformation Through Relationship, Not Acquaintance
Ruth’s journey is not just about loyalty to Naomi, but about a transformation of faith—a move from being an outsider to becoming part of God’s people. Acquaintance with God leads to guilt and inconsistency, but relationship leads to transformation, purpose, and legacy. The difference between Orpah and Ruth is the difference between knowing about God and truly loving Him. [45:12]
- The Power of Love to Change Us and Our Legacy
Falling in love with God changes how we live, just as falling in love with another person changes our priorities and actions. This love compels us to prepare our hearts, to pursue Him, and to let go of distractions. Ruth’s love and loyalty positioned her to be part of God’s redemptive story; our love for God can do the same, shaping not only our lives but the generations that follow. [43:02]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Setting the Scene: Days of the Judges
[01:27] - Family Tragedy in Moab
[02:10] - Rahab, Boaz, and the Lineage of David
[05:05] - The Famine and Its Timing
[06:01] - The Meaning of Names
[08:29] - Naomi Hears of God’s Provision
[09:27] - The Cycle of Blessing and Sin
[11:01] - The Empty House of Bread
[12:17] - Naomi’s Farewell and the Daughters-in-law’s Choice
[14:06] - Orpah Kisses, Ruth Clings
[17:21] - Ruth’s Declaration of Loyalty
[19:05] - Our Daily Choice: Kiss or Cleave
[23:11] - Living Out Holiness and Love
[27:30] - The Cost and Reward of Holding to God
[30:20] - Ruth’s Transformation and Faith
[34:27] - Loss, Loyalty, and Legacy
[36:47] - Demas, Orpah, and the Ongoing Story
[38:19] - Ruth’s Place in Redemption
[40:01] - Closing Prayer and Call to Love
[43:02] - Are You in Love with God?
[45:12] - Acquaintance vs. Relationship
[46:04] - Final Encouragement and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ruth 1 – Loyalty, Loss, and Lasting Love
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### Bible Reading
- Ruth 1 (main text)
- Judges 21:25 – “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”
- Matthew 1:5 – “And Salmon begat Boaz of Rahab; and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse.”
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### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances that led Elimelech, Naomi, and their sons to leave Bethlehem and go to Moab? ([00:10])
2. What do the names Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, and Chilion mean, and how do these meanings relate to their story? ([06:01])
3. How did Ruth and Orpah respond differently when Naomi urged them to return to their own families and gods? ([13:41])
4. What was the significance of Ruth’s declaration, “Your people will be my people, and your God my God”? ([17:21])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon points out that Mahlon and Chilion’s names mean “sickness” and “consumption.” What does this suggest about what we produce in our own strength, apart from God? ([07:45])
2. Bethlehem means “house of bread,” yet it was empty during the famine. What does this symbolize about spiritual nourishment and our own lives? ([11:01])
3. Orpah “kissed” Naomi and left, while Ruth “clung” to her. What do these two responses represent in the life of a believer facing hardship or uncertainty? ([14:06])
4. The sermon says Ruth moved from being an outsider to being part of God’s people. What is the difference between being acquainted with God and having a real relationship with Him? ([45:12])
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### Application Questions
1. The story shows that what we build in our own strength is often weak and temporary. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been relying on your own efforts instead of God’s help? What would it look like to surrender those areas to Him? ([07:45])
2. Bethlehem, the “house of bread,” was empty because the people had strayed from God. Is there a part of your life—your heart, your home, your habits—that feels spiritually empty right now? What practical steps can you take this week to “fill” it with God’s Word and presence? ([11:01])
3. When faced with loss or uncertainty, do you tend to “kiss God and walk away” like Orpah, or “cling” to Him like Ruth? Can you share a time when you made one of these choices? What was the outcome? ([15:11])
4. Ruth’s loyalty led her to a new identity and legacy. Is there a relationship or commitment in your life where God is calling you to deeper loyalty or faithfulness, even if it’s hard? ([17:21])
5. The sermon talks about moving from acquaintance to relationship with God. What’s one specific way you can move beyond just “knowing about” God to truly loving Him this week? ([45:12])
6. Falling in love changes how we act and what we prioritize. How does your love for God show up in your daily choices, routines, or relationships? Is there something you want to change or do differently to reflect that love? ([43:02])
7. Ruth’s story became part of God’s bigger plan because of her faith and love. How might your loyalty and love for God impact not just your life, but the lives of those around you and even future generations? ([38:19])
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Closing Thought:
Ruth’s story challenges us to examine our loyalty, our love, and our legacy. In seasons of loss or testing, will we settle for a passing connection with God, or will we hold fast, letting our love for Him shape our lives and our story?
Devotional
Day 1: Loyalty in the Midst of Loss
In times of deep loss and uncertainty, we are faced with a choice: to turn away in disappointment or to remain steadfast in loyalty to God and those He has placed in our lives. Naomi and Ruth both experienced devastating loss, yet Ruth chose to cling to Naomi, demonstrating a faithfulness that went beyond mere obligation. This kind of loyalty is not just about sticking around when things are easy, but about holding on even when everything seems to be falling apart. In our own lives, we will encounter moments when our storehouses feel empty and our hearts are heavy, but it is in these moments that our loyalty to God and to one another is truly tested and refined. [16:37]
Ruth 1:16-17 (ESV)
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. 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.”
Reflection: When have you faced a season of loss or emptiness? What would it look like for you to choose loyalty to God and others, even when it feels easier to walk away?
Day 2: Choosing Relationship Over Acquaintance
There is a profound difference between being merely acquainted with God and having a true relationship with Him. Orpa kissed Naomi and left, but Ruth clung to her, symbolizing the choice we all have: to settle for a surface-level connection or to pursue a deep, abiding relationship with the Lord. Relationship requires commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to hold on even when it’s hard. God desires more than a passing nod from us; He longs for us to embrace Him fully, to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. [45:12]
James 4:8 (ESV)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Reflection: In what ways have you treated your walk with God more like an acquaintance than a relationship? What is one step you can take today to draw closer to Him?
Day 3: The Power of Daily Decisions
Every day, we are faced with the choice to either “kiss God and leave” or to “cleave to Him” with all our heart. These decisions may not always feel epic, but they shape the course of our lives and our faith. Whether it’s in moments of frustration, disappointment, or temptation, our response reveals whether we are truly committed to following God or simply going through the motions. The call is to enter His gates with thanksgiving, to praise Him regardless of our circumstances, and to choose Him again and again, no matter what comes our way. [19:05]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can choose to “cleave” to God today, especially when faced with discouragement or difficulty?
Day 4: Transformation Through Faith and Commitment
Ruth’s story is not just about loyalty to Naomi, but about a transformation from her old life and beliefs to a new faith in the one true God. Her declaration, “Your God will be my God,” marked a turning point—a wholehearted commitment that led to her becoming part of God’s redemptive story. True transformation happens when we let go of our past allegiances and fully embrace God’s call, allowing His truth to take root in our hearts and change us from the inside out. [30:42]
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV)
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are still holding on to old patterns or beliefs? How can you surrender this to God and allow Him to transform you today?
Day 5: Living in Love With God
Falling in love changes everything—it affects how we act, think, and even how we prepare ourselves to meet the one we love. In the same way, being in love with God should transform our daily lives, moving us beyond routine or guilt-driven religion into joyful, passionate relationship. God desires for us to pursue Him with the same eagerness and devotion we would show to someone we truly love. Let your love for God be evident in your actions, your words, and the way you prepare your heart to meet with Him each day. [43:26]
Matthew 22:37-38 (ESV)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
Reflection: How does your love for God show up in your daily life? What is one intentional way you can express your love for Him today?
Quotes
The first few verses give us the context for the book of Ruth. Though we can't pinpoint the exact time frame in which this story occurred, we know it took place during the time of the judges. This was a period marked with chaos and inconsistency where uh Judges 21 verse 25 says every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Interestingly we know from scripture that Boaz who had later become Ruth's husband um is the son of Rahab. If you're not familiar with Rahab, she is known as Rahab the harlot from the book of Joshua. [00:01:17]
In the Bible, names carry deep meaning. It's something I still believe in. And that's why I took well me and my wife both took uh great uh what's the word like we were careful with what we named our children because we wanted them to carry a name that was strong that you know that that would kind of at least maybe have a good reflection possibly in their life. IMC literally means my God is king, which is fitting for this time since there is no earthly king. [00:06:01]
It's interesting though how even with these names of Naomi's sons, we see a picture painted that would show us that even of our own selves that we of our own selves produce in our own strength things that wind up weak and fleeting. that you know no matter what if we put it to our own hands without God it's weak it's fleeting it's temporary next we'll read in verse 6 and 7 then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread. [00:08:00]
So when Naomi hears that the famine in Judah has finally ended, she and her daughtersin-law decide to return to Bethlehem. It's ironic because Bethlehem once again meanings and names means literally house of bread. Yet it had gone empty. Once again pointing to the time frame in which we were the time of Judges where we would see Israel go through this silical style. They they would go through highs and lows. They would serve God. Everything would go good. They would get the blessings of God. [00:09:00]
They would be a judge in the land, bring righteousness, and then they would go back to doing that which was right in their own eyes, not necessarily that which was right in God's eyes, and the curses of God would go to them. And these curses can be found in Deuteronomy 28, I believe. But for the sake of time, I won't go there. But we we can draw the um idea from this the conclusion that the house of bread was empty because there was sin with the people. But now God's mercy once again prevails and he restores provision to his people. [00:09:52]
It's sad to think that the house of bread would ever be breadless. Sad to think that something like that that a lit like if there's ever a place that would have a morsel of meat, it should have been the house of bread. But yet we find that Still once again in our own lives. This is another part that it this gives us a story but it also gives us an example that we have to be careful that we have to be Bethlehem. We have to have the house of bread in us. [00:10:39]
We have to not only literally feed on the word of God. You know sounds weird when you say literally feed on the word of God. literally feed on the word of God. Makes it sound like I'm saying literally eat it, but we have to consume the word of God. We literally have to open up this book, which is the bread of God, the word of God, and we have to consume it with our eyes. We would look at a lot less evil things if we would look more at these black and white and sometimes red letters. [00:11:15]
House of bread is empty, but now there is hope. Bread has returned. And now we see them taking shape. Have a destination in mind. Verse eight says, "And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, go and return each to her mother's house. The Lord deal kindly with you as ye have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant you that you may find rest each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them and they lifted up their voice and wept. [00:11:58]
There are many times in life where we can see our storehouses go empty. Our praise seems dry, and we're so thirsty, but there's nothing left. our storehouses seem empty and it seems like even when we are putting our you know our faces to the book it's just okay that doesn't really help me at this very moment of time like you know we we all have those dry times those tests those trials to where we are forced to make the decision we can kiss God and go our own way or we can cleave tighter to him. [00:14:41]
Ruth in this moment she makes a a decision that would forever change her life. It would change the history of the Bible. It would give a message. Now think about that what I just said. It would change history. I mean, it was the will of God, but at the end of the day, she was a woman. She was flesh and blood. She had the decision and the free will just like you and I do. She could be like Orpa and just kiss Naomi by and with tears in her eyes, I'm going to miss you. [00:15:42]
But there's something about Ruth that she sticks with it. She decides that even if it's a bad season, even if things don't seem to be going my way, even if I don't have a full storehouse and my husband is dead, no, I'm going to stick with it. Verse 15. And she said, "Behold, thy thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people and unto her gods. Return now after thy sister-in-law." Naomi saying, "It's fair and square. I'm not offended. Go on. You don't have to stick it out with me." [00:16:28]
But Ruth said, "Entreat me not to leave thee or to return from following after thee. For whether thou goest, I will go, and where thou stays, or where thou lodest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God, capital G, my God. Where thou diest will I die, and there will I be buried. The Lord, capital L O R D, Jehovah, the Lord, do so to me. and more also if ought but death part thee from me. [00:17:21]
But in this moment, we see a decision made. One, like I said, that would stay through the annals of time. One that would give birth to Matthew chapter 1 verse five. That would give a history. And it would be so easy for you and for me to just separate ourselves from the scripture and say, "I have nothing in common with Orpa. I have nothing in common with Ruth." Especially for the two men that are in the room. I have nothing in common with Orpa. And I have nothing in common with Ruth. [00:18:21]
But I say today that no, no, no, you have more in common than you realize. Every day that you wake up, you make a decision whether you're going to kiss God and leave him or whether you're going to hold tight onto him. whether you're going to actually enter into his gates with thanksgiving in your heart and into his courts with praise or if you're going to let the situation that you're going through in life cause you disarray and make you follow the gods of your fathers and the gods of your mothers and forsake the God that is in heaven. [00:18:45]
You will have that choice. Oh, it doesn't seem that epic, but it is. When the tire goes flat, that choice is before you. There's the job wife in the back of the head saying, "Curse God and die." Right? Just doesn't seem like it gets any better. bank account is at $ five. Or, dear God, I just wish my bank account was at $ five. I wish it didn't have the stupid little negative thing behind it. That's not good. Like, that may be your situation. [00:19:50]
And in that moment, are you Orpa or are you Ruth? Is it nevertheless I will praise him? Is it nevertheless I know my redeemer lives? Is it nevertheless whether he blesses me or whether he curses me, I'm going to praise him. Naomi, I'm not letting go. Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Where you die, I will die. Because why? Your God is my God. I may be a Moabitis woman. [00:20:34]
I may not be a child of Israel. I may not be a woman of great renown, but I came into contact with something that I just can't kiss it goodbye. Literally, I came into some You have came into something that the enemy would like you to just kiss it goodbye. He would like you to re-imagine it. He would like you to form this God into something else. Am I telling the truth? There's a lot of people that say they're worshiping Jesus, but they're not. [00:21:27]
There are people that they can look the part. They can have the Bible tucked under their arm. They can seem like they have a walk and a talk. Maybe when they pray for you, you even will get the occasional goosebump where you can feel faith come through their words into your life. But that same person can be living like a devil. That same person can fall away the next week when an orpa moment arrives. Where are the Ruths? Where are the ones that'll I I don't like every single thing it says in here. [00:22:15]
We have to live like Christ. We have to love unto death. Come on, somebody. If that's not Ruth, I don't know what Ruth is. It's anything else would be ruthless. Sorry. We have to live the part. We have to act the part. I'm kind of drifting in and out. It's not in my notes, but I have to say it like with the lessons that have been ongoing, like the holiness side, it it would be easy as a lady to be like, "Dear heavens, he took so much time writing all of this about me." [00:24:00]
We have to as men do that. We are affected in a certain way, but we also have to love like God. That means that we really can't be angry. We're we're told a bunch of rules for both genders about drunkards, but it says rage, envious, like all of these things like even disobedient to parents is in there as a sin. We have a lot of things that we have to make sure that we do or I should say don't do. Why? Because we need to cleave to God. [00:26:32]
If I'm holding on to the world with one hand, I'll just peek a look every once in a while. No, it's not going to work. If I'm just I think I can live a little bit like a Moabitis. No, it's not going to work. I either kiss God and tell him goodbye or I hold on to him with all I've got. And I don't look at it as a distraction. I don't look at it as a man, this stinks. I look at it as, wow, if I do this, if I hold to him, he's going to hold to me and he's going to bless me and he's going to he's going to take me to heaven. [00:27:17]
This is the only hell that you have to go through. This is the only hell. If you go to heaven, no matter how bad it is, no matter how bad it stinks putting some things away, when you're addicted to cocaine, it stinks quitting cocaine. But guess what? Heaven, hell. I want to go to heaven. You know, I'm It's like now, Brother Smith, you're talking about hard things. No, I'm talking about sin. Sin is sin is sin. If he speaks against it, it's wrong. [00:28:04]
And I have the choice. I can kiss God and go to hell or I can hold to him and be with him eternal. And the cool thing is the longer you hold to him, the closer you get to him and the more of the things that you wanted, things that you thought you needed, they go away. They they just There's a song. It says, "And the things of this earth will grow strangely dim." In what is it? In the light of his glory and and grace. It's true. [00:28:44]
This statement that Ruth says, it reveals not only her commitment to to Naomi, but to the God of Israel. that shows a transformation that has taken place in her heart from paganism of Moab to faith in the one true God. That's what this shows for Orpa. It's just now you're right. I'd be foolish to stick around. I mean, I know we're like this, but I go back, I might be able to get another man. My gods are back there. You know, the gods that really helped you when your husband was sick. [00:30:32]
At some point in her life, the words must have been spoken the shama of Deuteronomy 6:4. Here, O Israel, the Lord our God, he's one Lord. At some point, those words had radiated and they had taken root. They had stuck to where, you know what? I think I want to figure out what this whole house of bread thing is about. So, Naomi, let's go together. Let's go together. I want us to go together. I want us to be in this thing together. [00:32:07]
Will you draw closer to God even as he draws closer to you? Or will you be one chapter in this whole book? Will you just be a couple verses in this whole story? See, we're living the book of Acts. Book of Acts never ended. Now, the writing did, but the Acts of the Apostles, we're supposed to carry it. And you're like, "Oh, Acts of Apostles, men again." No, you guys, too. All of us. We're supposed to have some Lydia and Loises. We're supposed to have some Peter's and Paul's. [00:34:53]
We can once again decide just how big of a portion we want to play in this book, the book of heaven that's being written right now that continues the story. What will it say about you? What will it say about me? In close, there's a story about a man named Deus. And I didn't come prepared for it, so you'll have to look up his verses yourself. I apologize. But we see he's mentioned like one of the cohorts, you know, he's like he's with Paul the Apostle. [00:35:41]
Deus, Orpa, Paul, Ruth, who are you? Who will you be? It's not too late to continue writing this thing. Even if you feel like you kissed God and started to turn away, oh, we serve a gracious God. He'll just pull you right back in. just had the image in my head, forgive me, but of him, you know, that per that soul that he kisses him, starts to walk away, but then realizes what they done and they want him back. [00:36:51]
That the whole time they're thinking he'll never take him back. But I see this image of a God that just grabs him by the hands and just pulls him into. That's the God that you serve. He loves you. He loves you. He loves you more than anything. This current thing, these current battles, they're just trials or tests. They're just momentary distractions. But Ruth talking to you tonight. Hang with it. Boaz has yet to come into your picture. Boaz will change the whole story. [00:37:40]
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