But Ruth said, “Do not plead with me to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you sleep, I will sleep. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God."
Ruth 1:16 (NASB)
The story of Ruth and Naomi goes beyond what we read in the lines of the Bible. We can see Ruth's attachment and affection towards Naomi, her mother-in-law, especially after she lost her husband. But, if we only consider this part of the story, we will surely miss the direct intervention of God in the lives of the two women. On the one hand, Naomi needed to have a little boy to comfort her in her pain, and on the other, Ruth needed to find her life in God's plan.
There is more behind Ruth's attachment, it is to see in Naomi a true servant of God. There is no doubt that Naomi was an exemplary wife and mother to inspire Ruth to this point. She surely imposed her faith by the way she behaved and worshiped her God. Her attitude was the very example of Ruth wanting to know how to be a wife and mother after God’s own heart, even though she no longer had a husband. But her faith in Naomi’s God gave her hope that everything would work out. She had the conviction that wherever Naomi was, her God would be with her.
Considering Naomi’s example and her influence on Ruth who did not hesitate for a second to say, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God (V.16)… May the Lord do so to me, and worse, if anything but death separates me from you.(V.17)”, can you say that your attitude as a Christian has already influenced those around you in such a way that there is at least one person who will firmly say to you, “Your people (your congregation) shall be my people, and your God my God.” This is what God wants our lives to be, an influence to others who are watching us.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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