Being a grandparent is one of God’s greatest gifts. There is nothing on earth like looking at your past, present, and future all rolled up in the smiling face of a grandchild. And I cannot imagine any sound on earth more precious than having the child of your child call your name, especially when that child runs toward you with open arms, so excited to see you. Those sweet kiddos always love you, no matter what.
But long before I became anyone’s Yaya, I always enjoyed watching my students interact with their grandparents as well. Some of my fondest teacher memories revolve around our annual Grandparent Day Breakfast held each September. When a child’s name was called over the intercom to come and greet their morning guest(s), it was pure joy to watch.
Those repeated moments of love-filled greetings often reminded me of the book of Ruth. I know that may sound like a strange story to relate to a celebration for grandparents and their grandchildren. But it really isn’t that far of a stretch.
If you are still shaking your head in wonder, look at verses 16 and 17 of the first chapter of the book, as Ruth declares her love and loyalty for her deceased husband’s mother. She tells Naomi,
“Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”
Wait a minute! This is a daughter-in-law talking to her dead husband’s mother. Her mother-in-law. Mothers-in-laws and their daughters-in-law are not usually the prime example of undying love. In fact, it might be the hardest relationship on earth to navigate successfully.
So, I have to imagine that Ruth’s vow of love and loyalty was not an easy road to choose – or follow. She left her own mother, her family, her country, and everything she knew to follow a homeless woman back to a land where neither of them had anyone or anything to guarantee their protection and provision – other than this God whom Naomi professed to know.
Looking back, it’s easy for you and me to read this Bible story and think it is merely sweet and sentimental. But it was much bolder and more courageous than that. These two poverty-ridden women traveled a great distance alone to a land that was not only rigid and strict in its customs and beliefs but somewhat oppressive toward women, especially foreign women who had intermarried with local men.
Even if Naomi had come home without Ruth, she was taking a big chance by returning to her homeland. According to their religious laws, no man had to take her in or shoulder her care and support. After all, she had sinned in their eyes and in the eyes of God by leaving her faith and her homeland, albeit in a time of intense famine. Judgmental mouths probably said Naomi was getting exactly what she deserved. No wonder she lost her husband and sons in a foreign, godless land. She was reaping what she had sown.
In truth, Naomi did come home empty-handed, with no men to support her and nothing to show for her time in Moab other than death and destruction. And on top of that, she brought a Moabite woman with her. Talk about a whole pack of cards stacked against them!
We know the rest of the story though, so it’s easy for us to take Ruth’s story (and struggle) for granted. After all, we know that eventually Ruth married Boaz and had a son named Obed. We also know that Ruth became the great-grandmother of the mighty King David. And we know the ultimate victory that came about in the lives of these women because Ruth declared undying love for her mother-in-law. It’s painless for us. We get to read about it, but Ruth had to walk out that victory, step by painstaking step.
Throughout his life, I also imagine that King David repeatedly heard his great-grandmother Ruth’s story. After all, it really was a powerful love story that was probably handed down from generation to generation. Ruth told Obed; Obed told Jesse; and Jesse told David.
But somehow, I think King David forgot to tell his sons the story of Ruth’s vows of love and loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi. I say this because David’s children evidently had no clue how to love and support their own father. They only wanted his throne and his riches. And in their quest for those earthly treasures, they missed out on one of God’s best gifts – the gift of loving and sticking with someone, no matter what.
So, yes, I often thought of Ruth and Naomi on Grandparents Day; I still do. It makes me think of King David and his son Absalom too. If only there had been a celebration of other generations within Absalom’s family. If only he could have seen and known what his great-grandmother Ruth had known: True love is a choice, and once made, that kind of love lasts forever. No matter what!
As parents and grandparents, we should take heed of this downfall of David’s children. We should understand that it’s up to us to teach our children love and loyalty. But we can only teach it if we live it. And it’s impossible to live out that kind of love unless we find its source.
Let me give you a hint: Selfless, unending love comes from God alone. He’s the One who lovingly gave all to ransom us back to His side. Yes, He is faithful and true, and like Ruth, He vows to never leave us or forsake us. And He always keeps His Word – just like King David’s great-grandmother Ruth.
Maybe it’s time to get out your Bible and share His Words of love with your own kids and grandkids. Go ahead and make some hot chocolate and popcorn or buy their favorite snack. Then sit down somewhere cozy and read to them from the Book that counts the most.
While you’re at it, tell them some good stories about your family’s past. But if there are no stories of love and loyalty to pass down to the next generation, then simply make sure to share Ruth’s story. It’s the perfect picture of a love that never gives up. No matter what!
