Living Out Justiceਨਮੂਨਾ

Steadfast devotion

‘But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.’ (Ruth 1:16, NIV)

Reflect:

We see a young widow, Ruth, determined to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth could have returned to her homeland and started afresh – can you imagine what led her to such devotion?

She had witnessed Naomi’s deep faith in God, even through bitterness, and perhaps felt inspired by her selfless care for Orpah and Ruth. Or maybe Ruth felt that she couldn’t bear any further loss. There were undoubtedly many reasons for Ruth’s loyalty, but one of those reasons must have been the way that Naomi lived out her faith. Ruth was certain that she could make Naomi’s God her God.

Many of us will know Naomis – people who deeply know and serve the Lord, whose faith is so evident that it shapes the way they think, talk and act. People who listen closely to God, seeking his wisdom and discernment, and listen to people with care and attentiveness. Their faith shapes those around them, just as Naomi’s shaped Ruth.

Ruth’s decisive and steadfast devotion displays great courage and compassion. She refuses to let loss define her and chooses to uplift Naomi, playing her part in changing her story from bad to better.

Daily Action:

We are all leaders in some sense.

Like Naomi, there will always be people who look to us, regardless of whether we notice. It is important to have good people to look up to, someone who can provide one-to-one guidance and advice with genuine care. If you don’t already have a mentor, ask God to show you who might be a good fit for you. Remember that Ruth had lived very closely with Naomi and seen all parts of her life. It may be that you need to allow people to draw closer, so that they can learn from you.

Like Ruth, we can play our part in looking out for others. Consider how you can be more intentionally present and caring in your relationships. How can you continue to develop yourself, your skills and your knowledge, so that you can give back to your community? For example, if you’re looking to gain more wisdom in God’s Word, you could join a Bible study group.

We all need Naomis. We all need Ruths. People to care for us, to search for potential in us and to stick by us in all seasons. How can you show up for others, as a Ruth or a Naomi?

Prayer:

Lord, give me the heart of Ruth, steadfast in devotion and courageous in love, that I may walk in faith even when the path is uncertain. Help me to be a Naomi to others, living out my faith with sincerity, so that those around me may see you through me.

Inhale: God, you are constant through the good and the bitter days.

Exhale: May my love remain steadfast.