A Love Most Precious: A 10-Day Reading Plan Based on the Book of Ruthနမူနာ

And they said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.” But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.” Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. RUTH 1:10–14 ESV

Naomi must have known that her prospects back home in Bethlehem (a town in the Judean hills) were going to be unreliable, to say the least. Because she didn’t know how hard it would be on her daughters in-law, and because she had no other sons for them to marry, she encouraged Ruth and Orpah to return to their families. At that moment, each woman faced a crucial decision. One chose to go home to her family and her gods. Ruth continued to cling to her mother in-law, choosing Naomi, her people, and her God. It was that simple, and yet that epic. The ripple effect of Ruth’s choice would change not only her life but also the course of history, as we will see later.

Every day contains crossroads moments. These decisions may not always be life-changing and eternal, but every choice we make in our words, thoughts, and deeds takes us either one step closer to God or one step farther away from Him. One step closer to sin or repentance, to evil or good, to death or life. Choices matter. That is why it is wise to allow the Lord to be at the helm of our days and nights, allowing His Holy Spirit to guide us as we travel through this life.

What will you do with your crossroads moments?

Lord, this is a treacherous life, and even though I love You, I find myself making poor decisions at times. Jesus, be the Lord of my life and guide me in every choice I make, so that I always please You and live the life You meant for me to live. Amen.