Ruth 1:18

New International Version (NIV)

When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her

For Meditation

1. “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death (Lk. 22:33).” Interesting; but are we not like Peter when we get fired up for Jesus? But how resilient was Peter’s zeal in the courtyard of the high priest (Lk. 22:54-62)?
2. Remember Orpah’s enthusiasm before Naomi’s exposition on reality 101 (Ruth 1:11-13)? Now, let’s be real. How many of us haven’t taken back our promise when we realized it wouldn’t be as easy as we thought?
3. At such times, don’t we find comfort in statements like, “God understands”, and the classic saying of Jesus, “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak (Mk. 14:38)”? But does God really understand? Are we that helpless? Don’t we just numb our conscience with such statements?
4. Is it not possible for us to go all the way with Jesus, regardless of the daunting challenges of life? Didn’t Ruth pass this test where Orpah failed (Ruth 1:14)? What made the difference?
5. Does the phrase, “selfless sacrifice”, strike a chord? Isn’t it what someone has termed, “The mother of genuine commitment?” Was that not Ruth’s overcoming strength (16-18)? Didn’t Caleb possess it (Nu. 14:24)? How about Daniel and his friends (Dan. 3:16-18; 6:10), and Jesus (Heb. 12:2)? Are we not likewise capable, if indeed God’s Spirit dwells in us (Eph. 1:19-20)?

I pray we stop giving ourselves excuses to stumble in our faith and zeal for Jesus, but unflinchingly stand for Him at all times.

So: May we commit to Jesus like Ruth to Naomi; and may God reveal His glory to us in all of life’s challenges, as we faithfully walk with Him in Christ!

 Shalom