On the eve of Remembrance Day, the church reads together the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman. It is a profound narrative of loyalty, covenant, and blessing. The Moabites, historically enemies of the Israelites, had oppressed them during the time of the Judges, including the period in which Ruth’s story unfolds. Even so, Ruth chooses to remain loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi, even when Naomi urges her to return to her own people. Ruth’s famous declaration, "Your people will be my people, and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16), highlights the deep bond she forms with Naomi, surpassing her Moabite heritage. In this pledge, Ruth forms a covenant of faithfulness, like the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 12, where God promises to bless Abraham and make his descendants a blessing to all nations.
Ruth’s choice to commit to Naomi and the God of Israel sets the stage for her inclusion in the lineage of King David, and ultimately, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, who is born in Bethlehem, the City of David. Ruth’s action, though seemingly a personal choice, becomes a crucial part of God's divine plan to bless all nations. This covenant with Ruth, an "enemy" of Israel, reminds us that God's blessings often come through unexpected sources. Ruth’s story also teaches us the importance of loyalty and commitment, not just in human relationships, but in our covenant relationship with God.
This theme of covenant and blessing is rooted in God’s promise to Abraham, which extends not only to the Israelites but to the entire world. God’s covenant with Israel is a means through which all nations are invited into relationship with Him. This is evident in the construction of the Jerusalem Temple, where both Israelites and proselytes (Gentiles who converted to Judaism) could worship God. The presence of God in the Temple signifies His desire to dwell with His people, a desire that culminates in the coming of Jesus Christ, born of David's line, who offers salvation to the whole world.
The concept of covenant is not just about divine promises but also about human faithfulness. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi mirrors the loyalty and endurance required in any covenant. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills the ultimate covenant by offering Himself as the High Priest, interceding for humanity before God in heaven, a relationship no longer confined to the Temple in Jerusalem but extending to all who believe in Him.
On this Remembrance Day, Covenant also reminds us of the great pledge, the endurance, and loyalty that soldiers make to their people and nation in times of war.
Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, reflects on how soldiers in World War I came to understand heroism not as grand gestures of glory, but as endurance and loyalty in the face of hardship. This redefined heroism mirrors the loyalty to covenant seen in Ruth’s story and in our own covenant with God. It is through faithfulness, sacrifice, and endurance that the world is blessed.
Ultimately, Ruth’s covenant with Naomi and her commitment to God remind us that the smallest acts of love and loyalty can have far-reaching consequences. We are all called to live out our covenants with God and one another, striving for faithfulness and compassion, and in doing so, we become participants in God’s grand plan to bless the world through Christ.
May God give us the strength and the clarity to work for those things as the best way of honouring those whose sacrifice we commemorate today.
by Reverend Jon Lavelle
Rev.Jon,
That was a powerful message, I really enjoyed reading it, I Love anything about our Remembrance Day, Bless all of our Veterans the ones who are still alive and the ones who have fought and died for all of us and I also love the Bible story of Ruth, Thank You,
Blessings 🙏🙏,
George