ESOCS Devotional 2 October 2026 – Uncommon Loyalty
MEMORY VERSE: “And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her.” Ruth 1:14 KJV
TEXT: RUTH 1:1-14
Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion—Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. 3 Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4 Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. 5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband.
6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. 7 Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8 And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.”
So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. 10 And they said to her, “Surely we will return with you to your people.”
11 But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters, go—for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons, 13 would you wait for them till they were grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me!”
14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.
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The interesting story of Naomi and her daughters-in-law is a familiar one to us. Naomi’s wish was for both Orpah and Ruth to return to their home country to marry among their own people. She wanted them to have a home among the Moabites. Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, had died. Her sons, Mahlon and Chilon, had also died. She was old and could no longer bear children. On this premise, she wanted her daughters-in-law to return to their homes. While Orpah eventually went back, Ruth did not, but went with her to Bethlehem – an Uncommon Loyalty.
We are interested in the significance of Ruth’s uncommon loyalty. First, Ruth’s loyalty showed her deep commitment. Again, her decision sets the stage for her later actions in Bethlehem, leading to her pivotal role in the lineage of David, and ultimately, Jesus. Furthermore, her loyalty reflected her conversion, faith in Naomi’s God and a new identity (verse 16).
For us, the lessons are commitment to relationships. As Christians, we are called to support and stand by our families, friends and church, especially in times of hardship. We should be selfless, love through actions, even when it requires personal sacrifice. We should have faith in God and God’s plan, even when the path is unclear.
Reflections
- Have you ever experienced a moment of indecision? How was it resolved?
Prayer
- Dear Lord, in moments of indecision, guide me to make the right decision.
Further Reading: Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 26:42
ESOCS Devotional 2 October 2026
