Most Christian circles celebrate Ruth as she accompanies Naomi in a beautiful demonstration of loyalty and kindness. We cannot forget, however, that her devotion to Naomi required a departure from her own family.Bible Reference - Ruth 1
Story Recap -
Naomi is a widow. After raising 2 sons in a foreign land, her husbands and sons both die leaving her destitute. Deciding to return to Israel, she bids farewell to her 2 widowed daughter-in-laws. One of them, Ruth, insists on joining her.
Reflection -
Nothing is ever said about Ruth's family. Her motivations for joining Naomi are also never mentioned. Was she kindhearted and concerned for this elderly woman's welfare? Was she intrigued by Naomi's God? Was there any negative reason encouraging her departure? Who knows!?!
The reasons are unclear but the results are astounding... "your people will be my people" (Ruth 1:16). In today's Christian's circles, a similar situation could be labeled as "abandonment" of her original family/ disloyalty instead of celebrating the very opposite: loyalty and commitment to a calling of care and Christian pursuit.
Again, we must ask ourselves, "Am I merely leaving my family or am I pursuing a calling?" Am I doing this from a place of mission towards others or self-protected bitterness. Sometimes, this may overlap for a season (as mentioned in other posts) but my resounding theme needs to be loyalty to Christ.
Prayer -
Lord, help my life to not be characterized by what I left but where I am going and with whom. Help things I have been forced to leave be a mere sentence in a much larger story of victory and mission for You and from You. I pray again for my family. Tho I have not been your chosen source of help for them, I would still pray that you bring someone. Ease my guilt and help me trust your plan as I partake in this separate road you have for me. Praise Your Name.
