Scripture: Ruth 1:16-19
But Ruth said to Naomi, “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. Where you die, I 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!” When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her. So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem.
Thought for the Day: Like many people, I have been drawn to the story of Ruth, in part, because of her perseverance and tenacity. She is a great example of one who faced obstacles and uncertainty, yet remained steadfast. In my sermon yesterday, I said:
I’m more interested this year
in being resolute.
Resolutions without being resolute
are empty promises
that will most often end with guilt.
There is much to learn from Ruth, but through everything, she was a person who was known for being resolute – firm even in the face of the unknown. The church desperately needs resolute followers of Jesus, and I believe the best way for us to build strength in our determination is to know one another. Ruth was committed to her mother-in-law, Naomi, but she also suggested that Naomi’s people would become her people. Real community provides a much better chance that the visions set before us will actually become reality. Determination can be found within an individual, but it is most often seen when there are individuals who are committed to one another.
Prayer: Continue to provide me a community, Heavenly Father, from which I can draw strength. I desire to be resolute in my convictions and determined in my following of Jesus. Amen.
THIS SUNDAY
