Ruth

In a time of Israel’s trials and turmoils, the Bible directs our attention to the book of Ruth. In modern vernacular, the odds were stacked against Ruth. Widowed in her prime, childless, and a ‘lowly’ pagan foreigner who chose to be loyal to her mother-in-law and accept the God of Israel as her own. By all accounts, she had reason to bemoan her circumstances, but she didn’t. Instead, she persevered through hardship to eventually become a woman of great renown.

To say she was determined is an understatement. When she set her mind to something she saw it through. Not once did she leave Naomi’s side even though her mother-in-law tried to convince her more than once to return to her own people. Is there anything you are so determined to pursue that turning back is not even an option? Her determination teaches us determination in our pursuit to follow Jesus and build an intimate relationship with him.

With humility, she sought to serve and support Naomi which she did with great respect. Though they faced hardship, Ruth chose to glean the fields to support them. Every morning she went without expectation of a ‘hand out’ but rather a heart disposition of submission to those in authority and a strong work ethic. It did not go unnoticed. Ruth was no slouch and worked physically hard from dawn to dusk during the harvest season.

Ruth exuded loving kindness or ‘hesed’ in Hebrew referring to a type of sacrificial and loyal love. From here we can learn about determination, endurance, work ethic, and physical relationships. But Ruth also teaches us about our relationship with God. Our effort and work do not go unnoticed and our ultimate Groom, Jesus, cannot wait to take His bride home.

Find the Ruth 30-day devotional here https://womenoftheword.co.za/a-ruth-relationship-day-1/

Written by Iriza for Women of the Word

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