April 4
Today’s Readings: Ruth 1: Luke 8
Today’s Thoughts: A Loyal Friend
But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever 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. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me." Ruth 1:16-17
Naomi had two sons who married Moabite women. After Naomi’s husband and sons died, she decided to leave Moab and return home to Bethlehem. She told her daughters-in-law to stay behind and to go back to their own homes. One stayed but the other one, Ruth, refused to leave Naomi. Ruth’s reply to Naomi’s repeated attempts to get her to stay behind is written in today’s verses. Her words speak for themselves. Commitment, love and devotion are exhibited through Ruth’s pledge to go with Naomi.
Ruth settled in Bethlehem and married an Israelite named Boaz. She had a son who would be the grandfather of King David. Her determination to not give up on Naomi was no doubt part of God’s plan for Ruth. She had a purpose in God’s kingdom as she was chosen by God to be in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Many people today use the book of Ruth as a study on love, commitment and friendship.
How do you compare to Ruth in loyalty to your friends and family? Are you as devoted to Jesus as she was to her mother-in-law? Or are you more easily swayed by others than you think? Friendship at any level requires commitment and devotion, but especially in our friendship with Jesus. We express our love for Christ as we express our love for His people. He takes our friendships very seriously. Do we? If you have never read the book of Ruth, take time today and read through the four short chapters. You will be blessed and touched by her story and by God’s sovereignty in all that happens here on earth. And, remember to be a loyal friend to those closest to you.
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