The Presence of God. Ruth and Naomi found themselves in very trying circumstances after each suffered the loss of a husband and the inescapable grief that accompanies death. Scripture gives us a snapshot into their lives and we get a glimpse of the strong bond of friendship that took place between Ruth and Naomi. Was it the deep sense of grief that brought these two women together in a way they had never experienced before? Perhaps these women were drawn to each other because they knew they were “alone” in the world. More importantly, the presence of God is evident by Ruth's response to her mother-in-law. Ruth reminds us and reminded Naomi of God's presence.
The presence of God is the bond that unites our hearts as brothers and sisters in Christ.
photo credit: B Gilmour. via photopin cc
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The Road Less Traveled |
Mutual
Commitment. Naomi
urged Ruth to go home to her mother in Moab hoping that Ruth would
find another husband. Ruth refused to leave Naomi; she was committed
to Naomi and committed to serving Naomi's God. It did not matter that
her sister-in-law, Orpah, chose to go back to her people and her
gods; Ruth was fully committed to remain with Naomi. In response to
Ruth's commitment, Naomi ceased urging Ruth to return to her homeland
and committed to having Ruth as her friend and traveling companion.
Mutual
commitment to God and each other is the tie that strengthens the bond
between brothers and sisters in Christ.
Humility
of Mind. “Do nothing from
selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one
another as more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
Although Naomi and Ruth were both suffering, each considered the
needs of the other more important than her own. Naomi desired to give
Ruth the best possibility of a husband; Ruth desired much more to
care and keep company for her mother-in-law who was not only dealing
with grief but struggling with bitterness. In the midst of suffering,
sometimes the most difficult thing to do is to think of our brother's
or sister's need as more important than our own.
Humility
of mind before God shelters us from the sin of selfishness with our
fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
May
we be wholly devoted to God and find common ground with our brothers
and sisters in the body of Christ!
I love, love, love the story of Ruth. I never tire of it. Over the holidays we streamed (Netflix) a movie called "Ruth", Carmen played the role of Boaz. It was an excellent depiction of the book of Ruth - I loved it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan -- yes, I love the story of Ruth too. It is such an encouragement in so many ways!
DeleteHumility of mind is so important in our spiritual life! Love your post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenny. Yes, it's amazing how much is dependent upon our thinking and what fills our minds.
DeleteBeautiful words! Thanks for linking up at OMHG WW this week!
ReplyDeleteThank you Landon and Alyssa -- Blessings!
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