This Weeks Notes ~ October 31, 2021
“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, II 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!” (Ruth 1: 16-17)
The Book of Ruth shows the commitment that should be standard for families and marriages today. Ruth claimed Israel’s God as her own which was a huge deal because she was a Moabite who did not believe in God. “Commitment to God” often comes through commitment to others. It speaks about the character of Ruth and who she is as a woman.
Ruth is a fierce woman. I relate to Ruth. I love when you find someone you feel like would understand you. Ruth goes through some pretty tough situations but she is so loyal and faithful that she allows God to bless her beyond belief. She perseveres when things are hard and is so selfless when it comes to others. Ruth emphasizes God provides for His people even in the midst of famine. God uses our suffering to accomplish His purpose.
Ruth teaches us that men and women are equal. She teaches us that true love exists. She helps us to consider the importance of true commitment. She teaches us the true character of faith and the reward of faith.
People should be able to look at our life, just as Ruth looked at Naomi’s, and say, “I want your God to be my God.” Our trust in God, and turning toward Him in tough times will often be the thing that draws others to the LORD. How do we react in the face of adversity?
Do you know anybody who is hurting like Naomi? Someone you can be a Ruth to? Maybe someone who has lost a spouse or child? Someone with deep hurts that you can be a friend to? Someone you can come alongside and support and encourage?
Ruth stepped outside her comfort zone, trusted in God and went—she was a risk taker for God. It would have been easy to stay in Moab with friends, family, everything familiar. Are we locked into our comfort zones?
Join us on Sunday as we explore Ruth 1: 8-18.
“I don’t know how, but I know WHO!”
Grace and Peace, Pastor Nelda
Dr. Nelda Barrett Murraine is the pastor at First United Methodist Church of Kennedale PO Box 146 – 229 W 4th St. – Kennedale, TX 76060
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