Steadfast Loyalty

Key verse: 'And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my Cod: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me' ( Ruth 1:16 , 17 ).

 
Action, they say, speaks louder than words. Spoken words do not often portray the depth of commitment of the speaker until such words are put into action. A disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, after hearing of His impending ordeal in the hands of the unbelieving Jews, vehemently declared, 'though I should die with thee yet will I not deny thee'. But when the hour came, he never kept his word.

 
Famine had driven Elimelech and his family to Moab, a heathen nation, to seek livelihood. Ironically, there he and his two sons died leaving behind Naomi and the daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. Out of concern, Naomi appealed to her daughters-in-law to remain in their country. While Orpah yielded, Ruth determined to go with her.

 
Adverse situations tend to bring out either the good or the bad in people. Ruth's decision to give up the possibility of security and remarriage at home, and to worship and serve the true and living God of Israel was indeed rewarding as she became the great grandmother of king David and a direct ancestor of Jesus. The lesson derivable from this is that, God does not disqualify anyone from accepting and serving Him on account of race, nationality, background or social standing.

 
The Lord is calling you today to steadfastness and total commitment, regardless of your background. God loves the sincere follower. Don't allow bitterness, grief and disappointment of the present to blindfold you to the tremendous opportunities of God's love, care and restoration.

 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Let your faith stand you out!

Pastor kumuyi
TEXT: RUTH 1:6-22