Ruth 1:16b “…Where you go I will go….”
Naomi’s family left the Promised Land (regardless of how long they might have intended to be gone); they agreed (maybe encouraged) their sons to marry Moabite women. Naomi felt God had dealt bitterly (though she seems to accept it as fair treatment) with her by taking her husband and sons. Even so, she releases her daughters-in-law and determines to go back to her country and her God.
Ruth 1:16c “…and where you stay I will stay….”
Somehow, through all of this, Ruth sees something that she is missing. She will not take the easy out Naomi gives. Even knowing the low position (a widow with no sons and no brothers-in-law) it puts her in, she stays with Naomi, pledging to make Naomi’s home, people, and God her own. What a tremendous act of faith.
Ruth 1:16d “…Your people will be my people, and your God my God.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for helping me to see this chapter with new eyes. I see Naomi humbling herself and going back to her land, drawing closer to You. I see Ruth, who doesn’t even know You, vowing through You to stay by Naomi’s side. Help me to remember that my actions speak my heart, even if I don’t say Your name. Help others to see You through my life. Amen.
Ruth 1:17 “…May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.