I consider myself to be a loyal person. Some would say to a fault. I’ve held allegiances to people and situations that brought a lot of hurt because the level of fidelity wasn’t mutual. Over time and as I get older, my awareness of healthy versus unhealthy relationships has sharpened, thanks to my intimate and nurturing communion with God and the daily guidance of His indwelling Holy Spirit.
Likewise, Ruth had a strong devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi. Having been widowed, and learning of God’s provision to his people in Judah, Naomi set out for what she must have hoped would be a better life. Ruth, along with her sister-in-law Orpah, women who had married Naomi’s sons and were also widowed, accompanied Naomi.
This, however, brought no comfort to Naomi in her state of grief and loss and she began insisting the daughters-in-law return to their families and people. Orpah went back after being told twice, but Ruth wouldn’t hear of it. In fact, ‘Ruth clung to her (Naomi)’ (Ruth 1:14b) and replied with the words of today’s verse. Now, that's dedication.
In many ways, Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi mirrors our relationship with God. The deeper our faith flourishes and the more we put our trust in God and his leading, the greater our willingness to follow him no matter where he takes us – even to the point of moving from one physical or spiritual place to another without knowing advance details.
In Naomi’s case, she knew enough about God to leave what had become familiar and head to that which was uncertain, while Ruth trusted in and was true to her mother-in-law, never questioning or doubting the direction they were heading. By doing so, they would experience the blessing behind that loyalty. (Read the entire story of Ruth to find out what God did!)
As true followers of God, we never need to doubt, fear or question the Lord’s leading in taking us from one place to another in our lives, whether physical or spiritual. We simply continue to pledge our faithfulness to Him and watch as He brings us our very own Boaz (blessing).
Loving Father, thank you for bringing me to a place in my faith where I readily exercise my loyalty to you in following your ways. You always take me to interesting places and I know my allegiance is well placed. I praise you in Jesus’s name. Amen.
Throughout This Day: Reflect on all the ways the Lord your God has blessed you after following him faithfully to where he directed you to go. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Feel free to sing the words of this wonderful hymn out loud.
Photo Credit: Yulia