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January 29, 2025
Passage Read: Ruth 1-4
Meditation Verse: 4:15
Thought
This story of Ruth and Naomi is a welcome counterpoint to the stereotype of mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. Naomi must have been a very godly woman to inspire such loyalty among her daughters-in-law. Though the one went home, they both started out with her on the journey back to Judah. It was Naomi who thought the better of it and tried to dissuade them. But especially when she urged them to return to their people and their gods, that's inspired Ruth to give her famous response: "Your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth was truly a woman of character, but what was Naomi that she would inspire such devotion? She must have adorned the truth of God by her own deeds and character.
Application
This is a sweet testimony not just of Ruth's noble character, but of Naomi's. Though she considered herself struck by the Lord and her life made bitter, she did not become bitter against Him. She was able to recognize when the Lord showed kindness, and she in turn recognized a chance to provide for Ruth, which turned her own fortunes around completely. God tested and tried her, just as surely as He tested and proved Ruth. And both were honored in the end. Whether I find myself in the role of the older sufferer who seems to have no hope or in the role of the younger who needs to serve, I need to hold onto faith and trust in the Lord. He may not turn my fortunes around in this life, but He has assured me of great reward if I remain faithful and walk in obedience to His revealed will. He intends to try my faith as surely as He tries anyone else's. I should consider myself no different, and in fact, blessed if He chooses to take me through very bitter events.