Image from bibleart.com
Hear and view this devotional: https://bit.ly/40ovtlt
View the devo: https://bit.ly/3A6jlec
1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. 6 Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had considered his people and given them food. 7 So she set out from the place where she had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law, and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah. 8 But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back each of you to your mother's house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband." Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud. 10 They said to her, "No, we will return with you to your people." 11 But Naomi said, "Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, 13 would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the Lord has turned against me." 14 Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 So she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law." 16 But Ruth said, "Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die, I will die— there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!" 18 When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her. (Ruth 1:1-18 NRSV)
There is a tradition in Brazil, when a person has a birthday, she or he cuts the birthday cake and gives it to the person s/he loves the most. I learned it from a short video on social media, where a boy turning ten or so, cuts the cake and gives it to his little brother, who is maybe four or five and the little boy immediatley begins to cry and cannot stop hugging his big brother. Many of us learned through tradition or heritage that, at least in Disney movies, that true love is between a boy and girl, thus waking up Sleeping Beauty, but in their movie Frozen, true love's kiss was not between a boyfriend/girlfriend, and I won't give away the spoiler... This is a passage of one of the Bible's great love stories.
The story of Ruth is a profound narrative of loyalty, love, and faithfulness amidst hardship. In the midst of famine and personal loss, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, having heard that God has provided for His people. She faces a painful reality—losing her husband and both of her sons. In her grief, she urges her daughters-in-law to return to their families, believing that they would have a better chance at life and security without her.
Yet, Ruth’s response is one of radical commitment. Her declaration of loyalty to Naomi is powerful and profound. In her vow, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay,” Ruth is not only expressing her love for Naomi but also embracing her new identity among God’s people. She chooses to leave her homeland, her gods, and everything familiar to her for the sake of a relationship founded on love and faith.
This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of our commitments. In times of hardship, who or what are we willing to cling to? Ruth teaches us that true loyalty and faith can lead to unexpected blessings. Her choice to follow Naomi ultimately positions her to become part of God's redemptive plan, highlighting how our decisions to support and love others can impact our destinies.
PRAYER: Loving and awesome God, thank You for the beautiful example of Ruth’s loyalty and love. Help us to embody the same spirit of commitment to those we love, especially in difficult times. Strengthen our hearts to reach out and support those in need, reflecting Your kindness and grace. May our actions draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider how you can demonstrate loyalty and love to those around you. This week, reach out to someone who may be feeling isolated or burdened. Offer your support and remind them they are not alone.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr. Twitter Facebook Website
