June 28th, 2025
Faithfulness in a Time of Darkness
Read: Ruth 1–2 (with Judges 21:25 as context)
Key Verse: Ruth 1:16 – “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Devotional Thought:
The book of Ruth opens with a surprising statement: “In the days when the judges ruled…” (Ruth 1:1). That means Ruth’s story unfolded during the very time of chaos described in Judges 21:25—“everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” In contrast to the lawlessness and selfishness that dominated Israel, the story of Ruth shines like a candle in the dark. Ruth was a Moabite, a foreigner, and a widow. She had every reason to return to the safety of her homeland after her husband died. But instead, she chose a path of radical faithfulness. She clung to her mother-in-law Naomi, and more importantly, she clung to Naomi’s God. Her words in Ruth 1:16 echo with courageous commitment, not only to family but to faith. In chapter 2, we see how God begins to honor Ruth’s faithfulness. Through her humility and diligence, she finds favor with Boaz, a man of standing and kindness. This marks the beginning of a redemptive story that will ultimately lead to the lineage of King David—and later, to Jesus. Ruth reminds us that even in the darkest times, personal faithfulness to God matters. When the culture around us is crumbling, our quiet obedience, love, and loyalty to the Lord can ripple out in ways we may not even realize.
Reflection Questions:
Prayer Response:
Lord, Thank You for the example of Ruth, whose faithfulness stood out in a dark and broken time. I want to be faithful like that—to follow You even when others walk away.
Today, I commit to be faithful in ____________________________, even if it’s difficult or costly. Please give me the courage to trust You like Ruth did, and the heart to serve others with love and humility. Use my obedience, however small it may seem, to reflect Your goodness to those around me. I pray humbly in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Ruth 1–2 (with Judges 21:25 as context)
Key Verse: Ruth 1:16 – “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Devotional Thought:
The book of Ruth opens with a surprising statement: “In the days when the judges ruled…” (Ruth 1:1). That means Ruth’s story unfolded during the very time of chaos described in Judges 21:25—“everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” In contrast to the lawlessness and selfishness that dominated Israel, the story of Ruth shines like a candle in the dark. Ruth was a Moabite, a foreigner, and a widow. She had every reason to return to the safety of her homeland after her husband died. But instead, she chose a path of radical faithfulness. She clung to her mother-in-law Naomi, and more importantly, she clung to Naomi’s God. Her words in Ruth 1:16 echo with courageous commitment, not only to family but to faith. In chapter 2, we see how God begins to honor Ruth’s faithfulness. Through her humility and diligence, she finds favor with Boaz, a man of standing and kindness. This marks the beginning of a redemptive story that will ultimately lead to the lineage of King David—and later, to Jesus. Ruth reminds us that even in the darkest times, personal faithfulness to God matters. When the culture around us is crumbling, our quiet obedience, love, and loyalty to the Lord can ripple out in ways we may not even realize.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Ruth’s faithfulness contrast with the spiritual confusion seen at the end of Judges?
- What does Ruth teach us about trusting God in unfamiliar or uncertain circumstances?
- Where is God calling you to be faithful—even when it’s difficult, unnoticed, or risky?
Prayer Response:
Lord, Thank You for the example of Ruth, whose faithfulness stood out in a dark and broken time. I want to be faithful like that—to follow You even when others walk away.
Today, I commit to be faithful in ____________________________, even if it’s difficult or costly. Please give me the courage to trust You like Ruth did, and the heart to serve others with love and humility. Use my obedience, however small it may seem, to reflect Your goodness to those around me. I pray humbly in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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