Ruth 1:16-22
Scripture Reference
Ruth 1:16-22
16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me. 18 Then she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. 19 And they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? 20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? 22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.
Introduction
Sermon Title: “Jesus Our Successor – Part 3” preached by Dr. Terry LeQuieu. In this message we continue our look at Ruth chapter 1. We have been tracing relationships: the home, the journey back to God, and the beginning of redemption. Tonight focuses on Ruth’s reformation of heart as she cleaves to Naomi, the reception she and Naomi receive when they return to Bethlehem, and the resources God provides as the barley harvest begins. This passage shows how God can take a woman from a pagan nation and place her in the lineage of David and ultimately in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s sovereign grace, human repentance, and faithful perseverance all intersect here — and the practical lessons for young adults are clear: follow godly influence, commit to a godly life, and trust God’s timing for blessing.
“Jesus as our successor. Jesus as our successor. And we are going to see by the end of all of this that God saved an old woman like Ruth.”
Quote from Preacher
This opening quote from Dr. Terry LeQuieu sets the theme: the surprising way God saves and places the redeemed into His eternal plan — even one who began life in Moab.
Outline
- Reformation: The Steadfast Dedication of Ruth
- Commitment to a New Course
Ruth’s pledge, “whither thou goest, I will go,” shows decisive reformation. She voluntarily forsakes her past and the pagan land of Moab for the promised land because she trusts Naomi’s testimony of God’s blessing in Bethlehem (v.16).
- Commitment to New Leadership
Ruth follows Naomi’s leadership even though Naomi herself is bitter and discouraged. This demonstrates that spiritual influence can matter more than perfect example — a godly direction is worth following even when the leader is weak (v.16).
- Commitment to a New Lifestyle
“Where thou lodgest, I will lodge” communicates surrender of daily habits and willingness to pay the cost of discipleship. True reformation often begins with outward choices that lead to inward change.
- Commitment to a New Lineage and Lord
Ruth’s words, “thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God,” illustrate a decisive new identity. Conversion begins when the heart transfers allegiance from former loyalties to the living God (v.16).
- Commitment under Covenant Limits
Her vow “where thou diest, will I die” and the solemn “the Lord do so to me” demonstrate seriousness. She’s staking her life and eternal accountability on this decision — a model of earnest commitment that should lead us to pray, repent, and examine our seriousness before God (v.17).
- Commitment to a New Course
- Reception: The Return to Bethlehem and the People’s Response
- Sojourning to Home
The narrative compresses the journey but emphasizes relocation back to the place God intended. Coming home is often the first practical step in restoration (v.19).
- Surprise at Her Condition
“All the city was moved about them” — the people did not expect Naomi’s changed appearance and bitterness after ten years away. Sin leaves marks; repentance and return show pain but also the start of restoration (v.19).
- Sorrow and Bitterness Named
Naomi calls herself Mara, “bitter,” recognizing God’s discipline. Yet the narrative will not let bitterness define her — she is still Naomi in the long run. Honesty about pain is biblical, but it must not become permanence (v.20–21).
- Past Does Not Cancel Present Ministry
The city’s reception reveals social limitations: Ruth is still known as “the Moabitess.” The church and people may prejudge, but God’s work is not limited by human reception. Christians must not let imperfect welcome from people impede their pursuit of God (v.22).
- Sojourning to Home
- Resources: God’s Timing and Provision — The Beginning of Barley Harvest
- Divine Timing
They arrive “in the beginning of barley harvest.” God’s provision often arrives at His appointed time — not our timing. Ruth’s coming coincides with opportunity to receive because God set the season (v.22).
- Material Provision Tied to Spiritual Return
Barley harvest provides work and means for the poor to glean. God’s provision for physical needs accompanies His work of spiritual restoration. Coming to God is both soul-restoring and life-sustaining.
- Potential for Redemption
Ruth’s humble obedience opens doors that lead to family-line redemption (eventually Boaz, David, and Christ). Never underestimate small acts of faith — God uses them to accomplish large redemptive plans.
- Perseverance in the Face of Prejudice
Though the people still see her as “the Moabitess,” Ruth presses on. God’s resources flow to those who persevere in faith despite social stigma or personal scars.
- Divine Timing
Summary
Ruth 1:16-22 teaches a powerful pattern: reformation of heart (Ruth’s steadfast dedication), reception by the community (Naomi and Ruth’s return), and the resources God provides in His timing (barley harvest). Ruth’s vow models decisive allegiance; Naomi’s honesty models realistic sorrow that does not have to become a life sentence. God moves providentially — He brings the right people into our lives, ordains seasons for blessing, and uses sincere faithfulness to place redeemed sinners into His plan. This passage prepares us for chapter 2, where redemption begins to unfold through God’s provision and human obedience.
“Never underestimate the potential that you have in Christ.”
Quote to Ponder
Dr. LeQuieu reminds us: “Never underestimate the potential that you have in Christ.” Even a Moabitess with a broken past can become part of God’s redemptive lineage. Your past does not disqualify God’s future purpose for you if you commit to the Lord.
Application for the Week
Practical, actionable steps to live out this message over the next seven days:
- Decide and Declare
Write a one-sentence declaration like Ruth’s: “Whither thou goest, I will go.” State one concrete spiritual commitment for the week (attend every service, start daily Bible reading, or join a discipleship group). Put it somewhere visible and read it each morning.
- Find and Follow Godly Influence
Identify one mature believer in your church to ask for intentional mentorship this week. Spend 15–30 minutes with them (in person or by phone) asking how you can grow spiritually. Surround yourself with those who follow Christ.
- Be Honest About Bitterness
If you are carrying bitterness like Naomi, write down the pain and pray over it daily. Confess it in private to the Lord and to one trusted Christian friend or pastor. Ask God to transform bitterness into trust.
- Work and Wait in God’s Season
Recognize God’s timing. Commit to faithful work this week (serve on a ministry team, help someone in need, or faithfully do your job/school work as worship). Be patient and expect God to use small obedience to open greater doors.
- Respond to Social Reception with Gospel Love
If you face prejudice or people who remind you of past failures, respond with humility and gospel testimony rather than anger. Let your changed life and gentle witness answer accusations. Pray for those who speak ill of you.
- Prepare for Harvest
Pray and ask God what “barley harvest” He is beginning for you — spiritual growth, new relationships, vocational opportunities, or ministry openings. Take one practical step toward that harvest (apply for a ministry role, start a Bible study, or invite someone to church).
- Memorize and Meditate
Memorize Ruth 1:16 this week. Meditate on it daily and use it as a prayer: ask God to give you the same steadfast dedication Ruth displayed.
May the Lord strengthen you to choose His path, endure His refining, and receive His provision in His timing. Remember: God makes success out of surrender, and in Jesus we find the ultimate successor who secures our eternal inheritance.
0 Comments