RUTH 1:6,11-18
I was moved by a 9-year-old girl’s words during a television news story about the hardship of migrants fleeing a war-torn nation. She displayed resilience despite the slim chance of going back to their home. “When we go back, I am going to visit my neighbours; I am going to play with my friends,” she remarked with quiet resolve. “According to my father, our house has been destroyed. I told him, we are going to repair it.”
Tenacity has a place in life, especially when it is founded on our love for God and other people. Three women are connected by tragedy at the beginning of the book of Ruth. Naomi made the decision to move back to her home in Bethlehem after the deaths of her husband and two sons. She urged her widowed daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. Ruth made a commitment to follow Naomi while Orpah stayed. When Naomi discovered Ruth was determined to travel with her, the two of them set out on their journey.
Pride can often be the source of stubbornness, while love is the source of commitment. Jesus steadfastly set His face to travel to Jerusalem when He went to the cross (Luke 9:51). We develop the resolve to live for Him from His determination to die for us.
Love demands dedication. When we are dedicated, we are also determined.
🙏🏼We give You our lives and our love, O Christ the Lord, Who gave Himself for us.
