by John O’Malley
“And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do” (Ruth 3:5).
Reading our focus verse for this day, one can become struck by the fact of how seldom Ruth has spoken. This book that bears Ruth’s name is full of dialogue; yet, in the whole book, there are only eleven recorded conversations where she speaks. In fact, less than ten percent of the words recorded in the whole book are spoken by Ruth.
Ruth’s confession of faith on the desert road from Moab revealed her confidence in the power of the God of Israel. Her statement on the doorstep of Naomi’s house in Bethlehem-judah revealed her confidence in the provision of Israel’s God. Her conversation with Boaz in the field revealed her confidence in the protection of the God of Israel. The evening ending her first day’s harvesting, she spoke with Naomi and revealed her confidence in the promises of God.
Her words in this discussion with Naomi reveal her peaceful confidence found in Israel’s God. “All that thou sayest unto me I will do.” The deep, settled peace in Ruth’s heart is unmistakably seen as she received the instructions from her mother-in-law without negotiation, hesitation, or question. She had no need to doubt God, Naomi, or Boaz; she would do what she was asked.
Naomi taught Ruth how to prepare and present herself to fellowship with Boaz. The moment of response rested in Ruth’s hands and heart. She chose nine words to illustrate her peaceful confidence, which had been shaped by her past experiences with the God of Abraham. All she had been taught, she would do.
Certainly, these nine words come with a lesson to the children of the Eternal Boaz. No matter the length of your Christian sojourn, you have seen enough of God’s omnipotence to see you through difficult days and discouraging nights. Your trust in Him for salvation is enough foundation for you to place your life’s course in His hands and say, “All that thou sayest unto me I will do.”
When you trust Him for your provision, protection, promises, and power, why distrust His peace? You can say with Ruth, “All that thou sayest unto me I will do.” When His peace governs your heart, you will have the calm assurance needed for full submission to His work. Does His peace manage your life? Do you find you trust Him with eternity but doubt His ability in the present? Will you say to Him today, “All that thou sayest unto me I will do”?