The Legacy of a Humble Woman

Tonight I want to share with you from the book of Ruth, which I read today. Entire volumes have been written on Ruth, and she is truly one of the most notable women in the Scriptures. I just want to remind you that she was no superwoman; she was a flawed sinner just like you, and just like me. Her situation was one of vulnerability, dashed hopes, uncertainty, fear, poverty, and rejection. But Ruth was willing to put her only trust in the God of the Israelites, and she was willing to do anything to be in submission to him. After her husband died, she could have returned to her father's house in Moab, and probably married again there. But she chose to leave her birth family behind, and leave her homeland with her mother-in-law. Two widows, poor and grieving, leaving behind their old lives and going forward into a life they did not know, but Ruth chose the living God as her God, and she valued him more than her earthly life's position.

That is a testimony for us. A few thousand years later, Ruth's heart of humility and servanthood still shines as a beacon of noble character. She had no possible way of knowing that God was about to redeem her and reward her faithfulness by giving her an amazing husband and grafting her in to the lineage of the Savior who would redeem the world. For all she knew, she and Naomi would die of starvation, forgotten by all and uncared for. But she chose to believe that the Lord would be faithful to care for them, and you can bet she did not go gleaning the fields with the hopes of catching any man's eye--that work was hot, sweaty, dirty, and hard--not really the sort of activity that makes a woman look or feel her best. She was probably physically exhausted, dusty and sweaty and smelly, with chapped hands and an aching back, but her heart was with her mother-in-law, and she worked tirelessly to provide for the older woman in her care. Such selflessness was rewarded greatly.

We must emulate this kind of character. The heart that thinks always of other people, cares for them compassionately, and serves them when no handsome man is looking. The heart that is willing to let others get the credit. The heart that is quiet, gentle, honest, and hard-working. The woman whose tongue speaks soothing, healing words, even when her lips are cracked and her throat is parched, her emotions are frayed and her body is on the brink of collapse. The hands that always find the strength to do one more act of kindness, no matter how they tremble. These are the crowning gems of a truly righteous woman, and such character traits are the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts as we surrender our selfish passions to him, and we live and breathe and work and form the habits of obedience, both inwardly and outwardly. Such is the legacy of a quiet, humble woman, who simply loved God and tried to do what she knew was right, day after day, without thought of personal gain. Such was the story of Ruth, which has stood the test of time, and still inspires us and teaches us today.

May the Lord make you each like her.

Blessings to you, sweet girls, as you finish out your week.