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Biblical Examples: Ruth and Naomi

The relationship between Ruth and Naomi makes little sense to us today. Naomi was Ruth’s mother-in-law. After the death of Ruth’s husband, she was now freed from her family ties. Her mother-in-law was not in a good place mentally or financially. Naomi even tried to persuade Ruth to go her own way, find a husband, and rebuild her life. She was young and had her life in front of her. Naomi was older and past her prime. It didn’t make sense for Ruth to stay with Naomi. But stay she did.

Even though the other daughter-in-law, Orpah, listened to reason and went her way, Ruth wasn’t having it. She was committed to Naomi wholeheartedly. In fact, she specifically told her “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.” That’s a real commitment, and you don’t see that very often!

Can you imagine the emotional connection Naomi experienced with that commitment? Naomi was motivated to invest in Ruth in ways she never had before. Ruth made major sacrifices to maintain that relationship - a sacrifice that proved to come with a huge reward in the person of Boaz. (It’s worth your time to read this whole story.) Our investments in other people's lives come with unexpected blessings even when we can’t see them or it doesn’t seem profitable to do so initially. Staying connected to others is a powerful testimony to a staying God.

DAILY OPPORTUNITY

Who is a friend you’ve lost touch with who has left an impact on your spiritual life? Reach out to them and thank them for their influence.