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| Active Commitment |
The three were not far down the road, close enough to still return to Moab, when Naomi tried to strongly suggest they let her go to Bethlehem alone. Though both "daughters" desired to go with her, Naomi found every reason to insist that they stay in their own homeland. But she was unsuccessful in convincing them. It is in her "daughters" responses that we gain our wisdom today. It is in their individual actions that we can see the stark difference between "what we feel" and "what we are wholly committed to do."
Surely both young ladies had deep feelings for Naomi, or they never would have left with her. Both of them loved their mother-in-law, and likely had concerns for her welfare. However, though both had the same feeling for Naomi, they did not choose the same route.
Orpah gave Naomi a loving kiss and then departed from them and returned to Moab. No one could blame her. That is where her family was. That was her homeland. That was the place where she was comfortable. That is where her gods were. Moab was her life. Her feelings ran deep for her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, but Moab was home to her. So she turned around and went home.
But Ruth could not leave Naomi. Her loving feelings spilled over into a bold and courageous action. Ruth clung to Naomi, like a child who does not want to be left behind. Her love for Naomi would be shown by her lifelong commitment to her mother-in-law. Her actions overpowered her feelings. As a result, her friendship had grown into loyalty, and her loyalty revealed her great love. Orpah felt strongly; Ruth acted strongly.
Here are Ruth's words spoken to Naomi: "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried." (Ruth 1: 16-17a) Ruth's feelings are not what are important in what she is saying. It is her commitment to Naomi that shouts to us today!
In your relationship with God are you a believer who has really strong feelings about God, your ministry, study, fellowship, and worship, but your life reveals that you are more comfortable with your gods? Does your old and familiar lifestyle draw you, or are you drawn by the unknown and uncomfortable way of the journey that the Holy Spirit wants to take you on? Do you hold the reins or are you surrendered to going where God wants you to go? Do you turn from God or do you cling to Him? Do you see the danger in living in your feelings? Do you see security in leaving where you are to go to the place God desires you to be?
I couldn't help but think of the lyrics of one of Chris Tomlin's newest songs. I am pretty sure that he had Ruth's words in mind!
I Will Follow
Where You go, I'll go; where You stay, I'll stay;
When You move, I'll move; I will follow You
Who You love, I'll love; how You serve, I'll serve
In this life I lose, I will follow You, I will follow You!
All Your ways are good, all Your ways are sure, I will trust in You alone.
Higher than my side, high above my life, I will trust in You alone.
Light unto the world, light unto my life, I will live for You alone.
You're the One I seek, knowing I will find, all I need is You alone, is You alone.
In You there's life everlasting, in You there's freedom for my soul.
In You there is joy, unending joy, and I will follow!
Do you have strong feelings about the words of that song? Or do you live and do them? Will you live in Moab, feeling strongly about God and the things of God, or are you packing for the journey to Bethlehem? Which is your home?
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