“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 God†(Ruth 1:16).
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When faced with grief and a sense of despair, first you cry. You feel hopeless and the tears don’t want to stop. All three of the women in our story took a turn at having a good cry. Naomi had learned to love her daughters-in-law in spite of their heritage. The time had come for Naomi to come to terms with her dilemma. It was time to stop crying and make a commitment. In spite of her own feelings, she looked to her “daughters†and told them to go on with their lives. She had had enough of Moab. She wanted to return to Bethlehem even if she had to go there alone. In spite of her love for Naomi, Orpah decided to go back to her people. She cried as she made her commitment and kissed Naomi good-bye. Then Ruth, who was obviously drawn to God because of Naomi’s faith in God, uttered some of the most beautiful words ever written. These words, mingled with tears, spoke of Ruth’s commitment. She was not only pledging her life and loyalty to Naomi, but to Almighty God. Mothers-in-law never underestimate your godly influence on your extended family. Later we are going to see how their love for God and each work together for their good.
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Sue Winchester
Missouri
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PRAY TOGETHER:Â Widows, both young and old, in our churches and communities, need our prayers. Let them know you are praying today; ask God how you can encourage or befriend them.
