Loyalty to a “Prodigal”

“I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty” (Ruth 1:21a).

           

For my devotion today I want to do some afterthoughts from yesterday’s devotion. As I read over some great commentaries on the book of Ruth, I felt led to share what I studied. If I might be somewhat creative let’s look at Naomi’s story thus far. It has similarities of the parable of the “prodigal son.” She had left a good life and wound up in the “pig pen” of Moab. She faced much adversity but came to her senses and headed back to the “Father.” Thanks to the love and loyalty of Ruth, Naomi didn’t have to go back to Bethlehem alone. Many times in our own “wanderings” away from God, He places people in our lives to strengthen our resolve and determination to turn back to God or draw closer to Him. We don’t always see how full our life is until we are made to feel empty. Naomi’s name might have meant, “pleasant” but right now she wasn’t feeling that way. Heading back to Bethlehem, Ruth and Naomi still didn’t know what the future would hold for them. I do believe both of them came to the realization it is God who holds the future. These women may not have had much, but, they had God and each other.

 

Sue Winchester

Missouri

 

PRAY TOGETHER:  Pray for a greater outreach to internationals (strangers living in our land).