“I Will Do Everything You Say” - 1/18/25
In Ruth 3, Naomi tells Ruth she is concerned for her and her welfare, so she has a way to get her and Boaz together (v. 1-4). Ruth responds that she will do everything Naomi says to do (v. 5). One thing that has impressed me about Ruth in this book is her willingness to follow her mother-in-law’s instructions in this land. Ruth has kept the vow she made in Ruth 1:16-17, and her response to Naomi is evidence of this.
Ruth’s attitude reminds me of Esther when she was with the king’s servants during the “beauty pageant” he put on to choose a wife. This was a significant event where many young women were brought to the king's palace, and Esther, a Jewish girl, was among them. She listened to Hegai’s suggestions for preparation when meeting Xerxes and Mordecai’s command not to reveal she was a Jew just yet (Est. 2:15, 20). By listening to others, Esther was blessed and became the next queen (Est. 2:17). By listening to Naomi, Ruth would eventually be married to Boaz (Ruth 4:13).
Ruth 3:5 teaches us an important lesson. Please understand, young people, that your parents, grandparents, and other older folks who know you will generally have your best interests at heart. Older folks have lived through what you are currently going through. They have experience and have taken the “bumps” from making wrong decisions, so please listen to them with the intent of obeying their advice! Solomon says, “In the multitude of counselors, there is safety” (Prov. 11:14, 24:6). Let us make sure that we have some older folks (parents, grandparents, etc.) in that “multitude”! Ruth, Esther, and many others did this and were blessed by obeying what they were told. We will be blessed as well when we do it!
Ruth’s willingness to obey Naomi made all the difference in her life. Had she not done what Naomi said (Ruth 3:6), she might not have married Boaz nor had such a happy life afterward (Ruth 4:13-22). This is a powerful reminder that obedience to those who guide us can lead to blessings and a fulfilling life.
Let’s apply these concepts to our spiritual lives. How willing are you, dear reader, to do everything the Lord says (Rev. 22:14; Heb. 5:9)? The apostle Paul wrote, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17). That term “whatsoever” or “whatever” carries the same weight as “everything” from Ruth 3:5. Whatever it is you do in word (what you say) or in deed (what you do), do all in the name of (by the authority of) the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice that this passage is not talking about only the things we do among others, or things we do in religion, or things we do in our jobs. It includes these areas of life and more! “Whatever” we say or do, let the authority of Christ govern those things. In other words, it is as broad a statement as Ruth’s promise to Naomi (Ruth 3:5). Are we willing to be this obedient to the Lord? Are we only willing to do some things that the Lord wants done? Are we only happy to do the Lord’s will when it is what we want to do anyway? Examine yourself, dear friend (II Cor. 13:5; Lam. 3:40; I Thess. 5:21-22)! This self-examination is crucial for understanding our true willingness to obey the Lord’s will. Are you willing to do the Lord’s will as Ruth was willing to follow Naomi? If not, why not?
- Jarrod M. Jacobs