J.R.R.Tolkien’s story “The Lord of the Rings” gives an insight into loyalty and commitment.

When viewing the movies or reading the books notice loyalty and commitment interwoven in the relationships of the various characters. Sacrifice is a big part of their loyal commitments.

Real people exhibited these same characteristics as seen in the book of Ruth.

Ruth was loyal and committed herself to Naomi, her mother-in-law.

(NASB) Ruth 1:16-18 “But Ruth said, “˜Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.

17 “˜where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.'”

Ruth made a commitment to Naomi based on her belief in the Lord God of Israel.

What are some of the lessons that we can learn from Ruth’s loyal commitment to Naomi?

Verse 16a No logic or argument stopped Ruth from being loyal and committed to God and His people.

Verse 16b Loyalty and commitment to be ready to move where God leads; no logic or argument to stay when God says “˜go’.

Verse 16c Loyalty and commitment to God’s plan, to live where He determines for you to be

Verse 16 Loyalty to God and His people.

Verse 16 Loyalty to the living God of the Bible, the Creator.

Verse 17 Loyalty and commitment to live where God has me until I die and am buried.

The above is what Ruth committed to…she left her family, her home, her country and her gods.

To whom or what are you committed? Ruth’s sacrificial example is one that we all would do well to follow. If you and I would choose to be loyal and committed to God and His will for our lives, what a difference we would make in our part of the world!

Are you a loyal and committed follower of Christ Jesus?

(NASB) Ruth 1:18 “When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.”

***Ruth’s loyalty and determined commitment proved to Naomi that nothing would deter Ruth from going to Judah.

Loyalty and commitment are noble and high-minded when used for God’s glory.

You can make a difference by practicing loyalty and commitment to your spouse, to your employer, to your church family and to your loved ones and friends.

Ruth made a choice and so can you.

Loyalty and commitment to God starts with a decision…yours.

How shall you now start your loyal commitment to God through prayer?