Four Questions I Would Ask Ruth...

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Most often, when I sit down and read the Bible, the characters and their stories have me pausing. My eyes close and I’m taken to a scene in my mind… I imagine what their appearance would be, how they may have felt in their trials, what the scenery looked like. Sometimes, I ponder how I would have handled the situations they walked through myself. Would I have been brave? Crumbled? Ran in the opposite direction? So many questions…

But, in the tapestry of biblical history, the book of Ruth stands out to me, as a testament to faith, loyalty, and God's providence. Ruth, a Moabite woman, embarked on a journey that would change her life and, in turn, the course of history. If I could sit down with Ruth today, here are four questions I would ask her. Okay, okay… I would have dozens, but for today let’s go with four.

Question 1: What Inspired Your Remarkable Loyalty?

Let me just say, Ruth's loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, is legendary! Despite the hardships and uncertainties this woman was going through, Ruth chose to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem, declaring, "Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16). I would ask Ruth what inspired such unwavering loyalty? Would her answer undoubtedly center on love, selflessness, and her growing faith in the God of Israel?

Question 2: How Did You Find Courage in the Face of Uncertainty?

Sometimes, when I’m facing the hard things, I’m pretty sure the grace of God is the only thing that carries me through. And we read that Ruth's journey was fraught with uncertainty. As a foreigner in a strange land, she had no guarantee of safety, provision, or a prosperous future. Yet, she boldly ventured into the fields to glean for her and Naomi's sustenance. I guess I would ask Ruth where she found the courage to face such uncertainty, and she would likely attribute it to her trust in God's provision. Ruth's courage reminds me that, even in the midst of life's uncertainties, our faith in God's sovereignty can empower us to press forward with confidence.

Question 3: What Was the Turning Point in Your Life?

Me personally, and this is just my opinion… I think the turning point in Ruth's life was her encounter with Boaz in the field. This meeting set in motion a series of events that would lead to her redemption and restoration. I would ask Ruth to share her thoughts and emotions at that moment. I imagine her describing a sense of divine orchestration and providential timing. Ruth's story reminds me that God often uses seemingly ordinary moments to bring about extraordinary transformations in our lives.

Question 4: What Advice Would You Give to Modern Believers?

If I had the privilege of conversing with Ruth today, I would undoubtedly seek her advice for modern believers. Ruth's life exemplifies qualities such as faithfulness, humility, and resilience. She would likely encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, demonstrate unwavering loyalty to God, and trust in His sovereign plan for our lives. You see, we can hit rock bottom just as she and Naomi did, but even at the bottom… If we could hold onto the promise that God is always with us, never leaves, never takes time out… how much faster would we rise to our feet and continue walking forward if that truth was always first in our minds?

Ruth's story continues to inspire and instruct us today. While we may never have the opportunity to sit down with her in person, her life and the lessons it imparts serve as a beacon of hope and faithfulness. As we reflect on the questions I would ask Ruth, I pray that we are reminded that the principles she embodied—loyalty, courage, divine providence, and unwavering faith—can guide us on our own journey of faith, just as they guided her through the challenges and triumphs of her remarkable life. I’m sure she looked back at times in her life and marvelled at how God orchestrated her new beginning. I hope you can do the same, look back and see how He has walked you through your hard times and sent small blessings and direction along the way.

So, if you had a question to ask Ruth, what would it be?

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