Walking Through the Valley
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die—there I will be buried. May the LORD do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!” When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her. – Ruth 1:16-18 NRSV Bible
Ruth the Moabitess is the great grandmother of King David. She is a model of faithfulness in the midst of great tragedy. At the lowest point of the valley of the shadow of death for her and her mother-in-law Naomi, she speaks these words. Naomi’s husband has died in Moab, as had Naomi’s two sons, one who was husband to Ruth. These two women are left with no land and family. Naomi encourages Ruth to go back to her family, but she refuses to leave Naomi to face the future alone.
Imagine that: she is willing to walk the valley of the shadow of death with Naomi, rather than go back to her family. This is such a powerful example of the love of God at work within her. Her resilience, courage, and strength will carry them back to Bethlehem. It is a love that honors and trusts God’s faithfulness, whether the Lord gives or takes away. Ruth is honored as one of Jesus’ ancestors in Matthew’s genealogy. Being reminded of Ruth’s story, who has shown you God’s faithfulness in your life? Who willingly walked with you through the valley of the shadows? Who may need your companionship as they make their way through the valley of shadows this Lent season?
Prayer: God, thank you for the Ruths within our lives. Thank you for the men and women who have walked through the valley of shadows with us. Their presence was a sign of your faithfulness and love. Because of them and you, we never lost our way among the shadows and deep darkness. May we, like Ruth, walk with others who find themselves in such a valley at this time. Amen.
Rev. David Eardley
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