Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s house! May the Lord be kind to you as you were to the departed and to me!” Again, they sobbed and wept; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye, but Ruth stayed with her.
“See now!” she said, “Your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her god.” But, Ruth said, “Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you! For wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge, I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Wherever you die, I will die and there be buried. May the Lord do so and so to me, and more besides, if aught but death separates me from you!” (Ruth 1: 8, 14-17, NAB)
Introduction:
Ruth was a Moabitess, married to an Israelite, She believed in different gods than the Israelites. When her husband died, she could have chosen to return to her people and her religion. Instead, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and face an uncertain future in a foreign country.
I am often guilty of putting my needs ahead of others. However, that is not what God wants. He wants me to consider the needs of others first.
May the Lord grant each of you a husband and a home in which you will find rest. (Ruth 1:9)
Read and ponder:
Ruth 1: 9-17
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Naomi tried to convince Ruth to stay inMoabwith people of her own faith. Ruth refused, believing she could help Naomi, and insisted on accompanying Naomi to her homeland. She could have just as easily chosen as Orpah did to stay. That would have been the easiest and most practical decision. However, Ruth did not choose the easy way. Out of a true and deep love for her mother-in-law, she chose the hard road. She decided to step out in faith and this decision became her commitment to God.
Question to Ponder:
- Could I be as self-sacrificing as Ruth or would I choose the easy path?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Make me more like Ruth, willing to listen and heed my elders and extend a helping hand to those in need. Let me see past my own selfish needs to consider others. Amen.
All for the Glory of God,
Christina Weigand
Excerpted from Women of the Bible: A Study by Christina Weigand