“Faithfulness” Word of the Day
Hello everybody wishing you all a good day and Holiday. Enjoy
Faithfulness
15 And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to *x15.1 her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. *x16.1 Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. *x17.1 May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” 18 *x18.1 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more. (Ruth 1:15)
One of Naomi daughter in law, Orpah went back to her people and gods. This seems like a test of sort, a true test of loyalty. I say that because of how Naomi stated , “see your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods…” (Verse 15) Orpah chose other gods over God. This also makes me wonder that, Naomi must have incorporated a lot of God in her daily life. What I mean is judging by that comment Naomi must have taught her daughter in laws the customs of God the decrees of God, the laws of God.
Another thing that stands out is chapter 3 verse 10-11, what this simply means is our dedication to God. In the beginning Orpah left Naomi and Ruth stayed. This pose a question, will we stay with God? Will we stay in place and not “glean in another field.” (Ruth 2:8) like Ruth?
She stayed loyal to God, that’s what Ruth represent; loyalty to God. I mean God’s customs were introduced to her when she married one of Naomi’s sons; she partook in the ways of God. And those ten years married had an impact on Ruth’s heart. I’m sure some would think Ruth was clingy and did not have anyone to go back to. But I seriously doubt that. I believe she was anchored not just in her marriage or relationship with her mother in-law, but she was anchored in God. I believe her dedication, loyalty, faithfulness; God saw that and latch unto her, filling her heart to follow Naomi. Not because of the love for Naomi but because of Gods love in her.
Like Ruth said, “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Maybe it was just a spark in loving the ways of God in the first ten years of her marriage, and then as time went on, that spark grew into a burning flame and desire for loyalty towards God.
Later on, her faithfulness was displayed again this time towards Boaz. Boaz had said, “You are showing more family loyalty now than ever by not running after a younger man, whether rich or poor.” (Ruth 3:10)
Ruth remained faithful, after all the time she spent out in the field, gleaning.
Some times in life, especially in the body of Christ after we’ve come through a situation by the grace of God. We can easily be tempted to sway from one side to another, to wonder off. To be entangled with the riches of this life, the glitz and glamour. Some have been ensnared. Some have their nose pressed against the window longing for things of this world. “But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:19)
Ruth I’ m sure must have had thoughts of going elsewhere, I’ m sure she faced many temptations to glean in other fields. I’m sure Boaz wasn’t the only “gig” in town. Ruth followed her mother in-laws advice and you can be sure the nudging of the Holy Spirit had His play in it to; advising Ruth to stay in place.
I really believe deep, real deep in the pit of my heart God loves it when we choose him and not, “running after a younger man, whether rich or poor.” In this way we show loyalty and faithfulness towards Him, His custom, and His statutes. You know why I say that? Look at verse 11-13 of chapter 3, “11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are *x11.1 a worthy woman. 12 And now it is true that I am *x12.1 a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. 13 Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will *x13.1 redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, *x13.2 as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.” Also what Naomi say’s about Boaz in verse 18, “ She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
There is great reward for choosing God. Boaz seems to represent God in this text. How He takes notice of us in situations and after a situation. How He shows us favor like Boaz showed favor unto Ruth; about gleaning his field and having his workers drop extra sheaves. How God speaks kindly to us similar in Ruth chapter 2 verse 11-13. How God just takes notice of us and He knows that we are special. Like when Boaz knew the real value of the land and he did not mean nor care about his relative land, but who came with the land; Ruth, the real value of the land. (Ruth 4:1-11) Boaz did what he had to do to redeem her. Similar like Christ redeemed us on the cross. The cross was just like the land to Boaz and like Ruth was the real value to Boaz, so are we the real value to God. And having Christ died for us was a small price to pay in order to redeem us, for we are to God His priceless treasure.
Chapter 3 verse 11, when Boaz saw how dedicated Ruth had been. That convince him this one is a keeper. When God knows our hearts are geared towards him and him alone, we put ourselves in a position to be lavished with immeasurable love.
We can take a footnote from King David, Job, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph the list goes on and on. These men, yes woman also; Naomi, Ruth, Sarah, the Virgin Mary and the woman at the well just name a few. They all where lavished with Gods love and favor.
When our hearts say yes to God, and no to material idolatry, and selfish gains by keeping our eyes on the Messiah Jesus Christ, when we are sold out for God; I really believe God opens the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing. Think about Ruth, lost her husband, left all she knew, adopted a new custom and people. She relied on the ways of God, and look what happened. She had choices to venture off (we all do, don’t we?) But like Joseph loyalty and faithfulness to God, when tempted by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39) Or King David when he had a chance to kill King Saul, two times (1 Samuel 24). Or Job with every excruciating pain and lost, he did not curse God. Or the Apostle Paul not giving up even under constant scrutiny and imprisonment all remained faithful. And even Jesus having authority over angels could have called to cease His crucifixion but He remained faithful throughout (sigh, thank you)
All of us are tempted in one shape or form; in ways such as to have an affair, to sleep around, steal, to kill by avenging oneself. If we imitate Ruth and those mentioned above, when we trust God, when our hearts are geared towards Him and His ways. There is no telling what He’ll do for us.
Although faithfulness carries such a weight, I’d like to remind you with Christ that weight can be made lighter. By trusting Him and His ways we can remain faithful in our marriage, jobs, family, and commitment we’ve made to ourselves and others.
I like to close out by saying we can clearly see the faithfulness of God in the Book of Ruth. His love goes beyond what I can write to you today or ever. Rest assured He knows and sees your faithfulness and it will not go unrewarded. Be bless people of God, be blessed and stay bless. Amen and Amen.
His Love and mine FaithfulSage.
