Devotion:
Read Ruth 1:15-17.
The decision to not return to Moab was a defining moment for Ruth. She shows incredible strength of character here by choosing to not take the easy way out. Ruth had no idea what was to come, but she steps completely forward toward a new future. She not only makes a commitment to honor Naomi, but she breaks from the pagan heritage of her past and places her loyalty with God of Israel. Ruth promised to walk alongside Naomi, to change nationalities, to worship God, and to do this for the rest of her life. How did she come to make such a deep commitment? Could Ruth have seen and experienced the love of God through Naomi? She stepped out in faith to claim the promise of God’s commitment.
Ruth’s commitment to Naomi gives us a picture of God’s commitment to us. In essence, God says to each of us, “I will go where you go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people.” God has sworn that nothing in heaven and on earth will ever separate us. Every day we are faced with choices. We can choose what will serve our own interests, or we can show strength of character and surrender our rights in order to serve others and honor God. Let’s choose wisely.
Personal Worship Option:
Lord, we want to honor You with the choices that we make. Help us to not take the easy way out, but to turn from selfishness and serve You. Show us the way when we have to reshape our lives. Amen.
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