Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. This week, as we take a break from our Luke series, we will be reflecting on the book of Ruth. Please read Ruth chapter 1 (again), and in this devotional we will focus on what we can learn about love and devotion from Ruth.
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‘“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”’ (Ruth 1:15-17)
A story that mirrors the loyalty of Ruth and Naomi is that of Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller. Anne Sullivan was the devoted teacher of Helen Keller, a young girl who became deaf and blind at 19 months old. In 1887, Sullivan, partially blind herself, began teaching Keller, using groundbreaking methods to communicate through touch. She spelt words into Keller’s hand, helping her make the connection between objects and their names. This breakthrough unlocked Keller’s ability to learn, and she went on to become a renowned author and advocate for people with disabilities. Sullivan remained Keller’s teacher and companion for nearly 50 years, demonstrating extraordinary loyalty and perseverance in transforming Keller’s life against all odds. Helen Keller said of her teacher:
"I cannot think of a better way to thank God for my sight and hearing than by thanking Him for the gift of a true friend in Anne Sullivan."
Ruth chapter 1 beautifully highlights the themes of loyalty and commitment through Ruth’s unwavering dedication to Naomi. When Naomi urges Ruth and Orpah to remain in Moab and remarry, Ruth chooses a different and very difficult path. Her famous words in verse 16, ‘”Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay,”’ reflect a deep, selfless love.
i. Love is seen in her presence
Ruth's love, loyalty and commitment are seen in her going with Naomi to, what was for her, a foreign land. True love will always be seen in commitment to being a good friend. Ruth didn't follow Naomi because it was convenient or beneficial; in fact, choosing to leave her homeland and security to follow Naomi was risky, but love and friendship is seen in costly devotion.
ii. Love is seen in her joining a people
Ruth not only commits herself to Naomi, she also commits herself to God’s people. She is leaving her citizenship to a pagan culture behind and is choosing to join the people of God.
iii. Love is seen in her repentance and faith in God
Finally, we see that Naomi, whilst committing herself to Ruth and to her people, is also committing herself to God - The LORD. She is repenting and putting her faith in the true and living God. In chapter 2, her new faith is beautifully summarised as:
‘“The Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”’ (Ruth 2:12)
This account beautifully foreshadows Jesus. He promises to be a perfect friend and walk with us. He promises to love His people - the church. He perfectly obeyed His Father. Jesus is the perfect Ruth! What we see in her, we see perfectly in Christ and, in turn, He wants to work this loving and loyal character into each of us.
Reflection
How am I being a good friend and who needs my friendship at the moment? How is my love being expressed in sacrificial devotion to God’s people? How is my love for God at the moment and how does He want me to go deeper with Him?
Community Group Notes
This is our week of prayer so we will meet to pray instead of in our Community Groups. Please read Church News, talk to your CG leader or contact the office for Zoom details.
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