But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return 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. Ruth 1:16 – In this chapter we are introduced to a family of Israel that chose to turn away from the Lord during a time when the whole nation of Israel was turning away from the Lord. This family left the promised land and entered a neighboring land that was known for their vile idolatry. They remained there for over a decade and even chose to marry their two sons to two ladies from this pagan land (something God specifically forbid in scripture). In their time in this pagan land this family saw the tragedy of death come to many in this small family. Yet, after turning away from the Lord and going to a pagan land and finding themselves living in this pagan culture, Naomi, the mother in the family, chooses to return to the land of Israel (symbolizing a return back to the Lord). In this whole process though do you do see when Ruth, Naomi’s daughter-in-law from this pagan nation, chose to begin following God herself? It was when Naomi chose to walk faithfully after the Lord again. Not once during the over a decade of this family’s time in this pagan land do we see Ruth saying, “Your God my God,” but when Naomi faithfully returned to the Lord is when we see this confession of Ruth take place. Never underestimate what the Lord can do with our faithful walk. When we are walking after sin, we’re helping no one following Jesus or fall in love with Jesus. Yet, when we choose to follow Jesus, others will see that choice and God can use that to shape their heart for Himself. You may have been walking in sin for over a decade and you think your life could never be used for the Lord now. Let this passage settle the debate, you can still be used powerfully for the Lord even after years of rejection of Him. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3016
Question To Ponder: How might our repentance spur others to repent?
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