Pentecost 5 (July 13, 2025)

Sermon Goal: To lead hearers to confess their divided hearts, and—grasping the steadfast loyalty of Christ who redeems and remains with us—to respond with Spirit-wrought faithfulness that reflects His love in a disloyal world.

Undivided Attention: Part 5

“Undivided Loyalty”

Text: Ruth 1:1–19a Supporting Texts: Galatians 5:1, 13–25; Luke 10:25–37

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

As we gather today, we continue our journey through the series, "Undivided Attention." Over the past weeks, we have explored themes challenging us to focus wholeheartedly on God's calling and His presence.

We've examined

the undivided commitment that purges distractions,

the undivided peace that calms our restless hearts,

and the undivided service calling us into action.

Each theme is a thread woven into a tapestry of devotion, inviting us to live fully engaged in our relationship with God.

Today, we venture into the tapestry's fifth thread: "Undivided Loyalty." This concept of unwavering faithfulness takes center stage, urging us to consider what it means to stand firm in our commitments despite life's uncertainties. Loyalty requires us not only to be steadfast personally but also to support one another as a community of believers, trusting in the story God writes with our collective lives even when we cannot see the final chapter.

Our journey into undivided loyalty is illustrated with Ruth's story—a tale set against a backdrop of scarce faithfulness and abundant desperation. In this barren landscape, Ruth's individual loyalty to Naomi becomes an emblem of personal faith, while also catalyzing a greater communal blessing through God's unyielding grace of devotion and redemption.

Today, we'll unravel how Ruth's story, an unassuming tale of loyalty, reveals an enduring truth for both individuals and congregations: even in the darkest days, God raises up faithful hearts to fulfill His purposes. Consider how our personal commitments contribute to the tapestry of communal faith that God uses to transform those around you—a reminder that through our loyalty, both individually and together, God's light shines brightly.

I. Famines and Faithlessness

“In the days when the judges ruled…” (Ruth 1:1)

Those were dark days—morally and spiritually. Scripture tells us that everyone did what was right in his own eyes.  There was no king. No compass. No clarity. It was a time of spiritual famine.

For example, during this spiritual famine, idolatry was rampant. The Israelites repeatedly turned away from worshiping Yahweh to seek the favor of foreign gods, leading to cycles of sin and repentance. Spiritual leadership was scarce, and the lack of a centralized authority or a unifying moral compass left the people vulnerable to their base desires and the influence of surrounding nations.

It was also a time of literal famine— so severe that a man named Elimelech took his wife, Naomi, and their two sons and left their hometown of Bethlehem  to find food in Moab.

That detail is thick with irony.

Bethlehem means “house of bread”— and yet there is no bread. Moab was a land known for refusing bread and water  to the Israelites during their wilderness journey— yet here it offers survival.

It’s the first sign that this story will be full of unexpected reversals— and hidden grace.

II. The Empty Road Home

At first, life in Moab seemed sustainable. Elimelech and Naomi sons eventually marry Moabite women— questionable in Israelite eyes to be sure. But then, the real famine strikes:

Elimelech dies…

then the first son, Mahlon…

followed by the second, Chilion.

Three widows are left—Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. No husbands. No heirs. No future.

When Naomi hears that the famine in Judah has ended, she decided to return home to Bethlehem. Naomi urges her daughter-in-law to stay in their homeland of Moab, because this is their best chance to remarry.

Orpah turns back. But Ruth stays with Naomi.

And in this moment of decision— Ruth speaks for the first time in the book.

And what she says is breathtaking.

“Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” (Ruth 1:16–17)

III. Undivided Loyalty: Spirit-Wrought and Sight-Unseen

This is no mere sentiment. This is a vow of covenant faithfulness—chesed.

Ruth commits not only to Naomi, but to Naomi’s people, Naomi’s land, and Naomi’s God.

One commentator (Lawrenz) notes, Ruth was no longer a Moabite at heart. The Holy Spirit had brought her to faith. This is a conversion story— a baptismal moment of renunciation and allegiance.

She was stepping into “paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.” And yet—she clings, not by sight, but by faith. This is undivided loyalty—not earned, but granted by grace.

IV. Bitter Hearts, Divided Loyalties

Naomi returns to Bethlehem and says,  “The Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.”  She is so overwhelmed by loss and disappointment that she no longer recognizes God’s kindness.

Are we not the same at times?

Like Naomi, We emerge from difficult times bitter. We feel abandoned. We say, “Why has the Lord allowed this?” And often, in our pain, we stop seeing the gifts He’s placed right beside us— the Ruths who walk with us, the mercies that whisper through the grief.

We claim God has left us empty, even when we’re still standing in the shadow of the cross, still held by promises made in Baptism.

But here’s the deeper issue: our hearts are divided.

Like Elimelech, we run to Moab—trusting what seems secure, rather than staying in the house of bread and trusting God to provide.

Like Naomi, we interpret God’s work through the lens of our pain, not through the lens of His Word.

Like Orpah, we take the path of lesser cost. Loyalty to the Lord and to His people sounds noble—until it threatens comfort, convenience, or control.

And like the lawyer in our Gospel reading, we often ask Jesus: “Who is my neighbor?” — not because we want to help more, but because we want to love less.

That’s the truth, isn’t it?

We want Jesus—but without the cross. We want grace—but without surrender. We want faith—but without walking into unknown places.

Even our best intentions are tainted with self-interest.

We say:

“Where you go, Lord—I’ll go… if it’s easy. Where you stay—I’ll stay… as long as it’s safe. Your people shall be my people… unless they annoy me.”

We confess loyalty with our lips, but deny Him with our divided hearts.

Acknowledging the depth of our divided hearts, we see ourselves mirrored in Naomi's bitterness and the misplaced loyalties of Elimelech and Orpah. We long for God's gifts without the trials, for His love without full surrender. Our confession of faith is often marred by self-interest and fear. Yet, in the midst of this struggle, there is a greater narrative at work.

V. Jesus: The Truer Ruth

It’s in this very context of human frailty that the story of Ruth reveals a glimpse of something far greater: the unwavering loyalty of Christ to us. Ruth’s resolve to stay with Naomi wasn’t merely a personal act— it was a divine foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive mission to rescue you.

Just as Ruth left her home to embrace Naomi’s plight, Jesus left His heavenly kingdom to enter our brokenness.

He bore our burdens and declared, “Where you go, I will go.” Through His death and resurrection, He demonstrated a love that transcends our divided loyalties and unites us in His grace.

“Nothing—not even death—will separate Me from you.”

As we consider Ruth's story, we are invited to reflect on Christ's perfect loyalty and how it transforms our own journey of faith and devotion.

And He did it.

He went to the cross. He died our death. He lay in our grave. And now—He lives to walk with us still.

And now, risen and reigning, He gives us His Spirit to walk new paths— paths of love, service, and yes… loyalty.

But this story isn't merely about Ruth's dedication— it's a reflection of Christ's unparalleled loyalty to us all.

Just as Ruth left her homeland for Naomi, Jesus left His heavenly home for you. He entered into our broken existence, shared our burdens, and declared a steadfast commitment: “Where you go, I will go. Where you die, I will die.” His journey to the cross, His burial, and triumphant resurrection reflects a love beyond earthly bounds.

And baptized into Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are raised to new life, empowered to reflect Christ's perfect loyalty. Let us consider what it looks like for us:

VI. Called to Reflect Undivided Loyalty

It looks like showing up for someone who has no one. It looks like loving beyond what’s reasonable, as the Good Samaritan did. It looks like serving quietly, without recognition. It looks like bearing the fruit of the Spirit—even when the world scoffs.

We might not always understand where these acts will lead us, but as God was with Ruth and Naomi, He walks with us, providing guidance and strength.

With these reflections, we are led to a profound realization about our life's journey with Christ.

Imagine your relationship with Christ as signing a blank contract, with ‘Grace’ in bold letters at the top.

In baptism, your name is inscribed on this divine covenant, and God, through His Spirit, writes your life’s story daily.

Where you go, He goes. Where you stay, He stays.

In taking upon Himself your burdens and sins, He crafts a future secured by His resurrection. This is the breathtaking scope of His loyalty and grace.

Conclusion: Undivided Loyalty in a Divided World

We live in a world where true loyalty and faithfulness are scarce. Just as in the time of the judges, when everyone did what was right in their own eyes, our modern world often mirrors this moral chaos.

Yet, the examples of Ruth, the Good Samaritan, and ultimately Christ Himself illustrate what true loyalty looks like—

In our series, "Undivided Attention," we've added loyalty as another vital thread in this tapestry of devotion. Ruth's story reminds us that our personal acts of faithfulness contribute to a broader communal blessing, just as her loyalty to Naomi became a beacon of hope and redemption—a light in the darkness.

God's ever-present faithfulness assures us that as we walk unknown paths, He is there to provide strength and guidance. So, take heart and cling to the One who clings steadfastly to you. Like the faithful of old, walk boldly in His grace— undaunted by the unknown, upheld by the Spirit, and certain of the One who has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Prayers of the Church

The congregation may respond: “Lord, have mercy.” or “Hear our prayer.”

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Faithful God, You raised up Ruth in a time of famine and faithlessness to reveal Your steadfast love and redeeming purpose. Give to Your Church undivided loyalty, that in a world of divided hearts, we may cling to You in faith and reflect Your faithfulness in word and deed. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord of all nations, You welcomed a foreigner into the family line of Christ and showed that Your grace extends beyond all borders. Bless missionaries, pastors, and all who carry Your Gospel into unknown paths. Strengthen our congregation as we serve in Williston, and make us faithful neighbors to the people You place beside us. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate Father, You see the bitterness of the grieving and the pain of the suffering. Bring comfort to those who mourn, including Sandi Weiss and the family of Tom Weiss, and all whose hearts ache with loss.

Be near to the sick, the hospitalized, and the homebound. Especially we name before You:

Chad Hammer (bone marrow transplant) Kaolin and Jackson Sim Those recovering from surgery or illness, including Chet Lund Gabe Jensen Those in hospice care or approaching the end of life And those whom we name in our hearts

Strengthen caregivers, grant healing according to Your will, and give all who suffer a firm trust in Your mercy. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Redeemer, You did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but humbled Yourself and bore our burdens. Teach us, like Ruth and the Good Samaritan, to walk in sacrificial love—showing up for those who have no one, serving without recognition, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit in a divided world. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord of the Harvest, Send Your Spirit upon those traveling to the AALC Youth Gathering in Estes Park, Colorado. Grant them safe travel, deep joy, and spiritual renewal. Shape their faith and friendship in Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of mercy, We give thanks for Your daily provision and the gift of this land. As we recently celebrated Independence Day, grant wisdom to our leaders, peace in our communities, and a spirit of humility and justice throughout our nation. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who taught us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven…