Year of the Bible: Part Five of Twelve 預覽

Ruth is Loyal and Chooses the One True God

Naomi found herself in a strange land with no husband and two daughters-in-law needing direction. Having heard that her homeland was prospering again, she decided to return to her roots. Naomi told the girls to stay with their families because remarriage would be impossible in Israel. Orpah went home, but Ruth remained committed to her Israelite mother-in-law. Her allegiance was a powerful show of loyalty in what would likely be her demise. Not only did she declare her loyalty to Naomi, but also to the one true God. Naomi encouraged her to return to security and the god of her people, but Ruth refused. There was a destiny deep in the heart of Ruth that knew she was meant for more and that the God of Israel was the God of all gods.

Her new allegiance to God was bold and determined. She had considered the cost and wanted to be part of Naomi’s people, even though she was an enemy by her birth. With her humble and beautiful character, Ruth’s bold choice to put her future and security at risk aligned her with a miraculous destiny she could not have expected. God values loyalty. David Pawson tells us that "loyalty” and "love” are almost the same things in Hebrew. God had a plan for Ruth that needed a heart loyal to Him.

Our culture does not value loyalty as much as it does self-love. We are encouraged all the time to follow our hearts and do what feels right. Orpah did just that by listening to Naomi’s advice and returning to the security of her family. A heart loyal to God and sensitive to His leading is the byproduct of a spirit sensitive to the Spirit of God. God often offers us an opportunity in the form of trial. We can choose security or to embrace the challenge and ask Him to meet us in it. Ruth could not have imagined her future, but she decided to follow God. We will see the joy that God brought from that choice in the coming days. But, today, we need to remember that she chose to model love and loyalty without a guarantee that her life would turn out well.

Question: Is the one true God and the call to be one of His people enough for you? Do you value the character and loyalty it takes to stay true to God?

Prayer: Ask God for the character and love you need to hold fast to Him even when something else seems more convenient. Ask for eyes to see the truth of who He is and the worth that He brings to your existence. Look for a fresh revelation of His character and an outpouring of His love and loyalty in your heart today.