Your God, My God! (Ruth 1:15-18) 011007
Naomi had successfully persuaded Orpah to return, but Ruth persistently clung on (v15). Though it was not very clear from the text that how long had Ruth been married to the family. Apparently, Ruth knew about LORD of her in-laws, she might have seen the difference in their conduct or lifestyle comparing with her own people (this is pure speculation) but she had heard of the stories of the faithfulness of YAHWEH.
Ruth had made a personal decision to follow the LORD. Though Naomi tried to dissuade her, but she persisted. She understood the cost of doing so. She might have to wander around as the LORD led (for where you go, I will go), she might have to settle and trust God to provide for a shelter (where you lodge, I will lodge), she might have to love the people she didn’t like (your people, my people) (v16), and even she might have to die (where you die, I will die) (v17).
This is the cost of following God (Your God, my God) (v16). This is the cost of discipleship, denying herself, her rights, her privilege if she Ruth was to be with her own people; taking up the cross in her daily living and following wherever the LORD may lead. I admired the faith of Ruth. I admired the sacrifices she had to make in order to follow the LORD. She had to learn to live with new group of people, getting out of her comfort zone and had a new family.
I cannot be Ruth, but whatever the LORD has commanded in His Words, I will follow. Because the God is my God. Is my God, your God?
HHS…
Abel…
