“And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her” (Ruth 1:14).
TEXT — Ruth 1:6-22
Message
When Robert Flaherty’s entire film collection went up in flames, he responded by returning to the Far North to make an unforgettable film about the Eskimos. The result was the classic 1922 documentary, Nanook of the North. When Thomas Edison’s manufacturing facilities in West Orange, N.J., burnt down in December 1914, he lost almost $1 million worth of equipment, together with the record of much of his work. The next morning, walking about the charred embers of his hopes and dreams, the 67-year-old inventor was quoted to have said: “There is value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Now we can start anew.” He eventually became a very successful inventor and celebrity. Like Edison, the right outlook on life helps to defog the lens through which we look at life. Tragedy can become a train to propel us to further glory as captured in the story of Ruth.
In the text, we see the decisive moment when life-altering and destiny-making choices were made. Following the loss of almost all that matters to her, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem Judah. While counselling her two daughters-in-law on their next step, decisions made by these personalities were not only a turning point for the Elimelech family but also for mankind. Orpah considered her season of adversity a time for turning back. Ruth chose to move ahead with Naomi, notwithstanding the future uncertainties. That decision opened the door for her to become one of the progenitors of the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5,16).
Ruth thus teaches us that after a loss, we can still win. And that we must never allow one loss to put a lid on our ability to continue winning in life. In our trying moments, we must rely on God and walk by faith. Rather than close that chapter of her life, Ruth decided to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem Judah. As the God of mercy waited for her to make a blessing out of her bitter experiences, God is still doing the same today for those who will trust Him.
Thought for the day
There’s value in disaster. There’s valour in being decisive!
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
6 comments
Please pray with me,I don’t want to go to prison over a decision made over a business with someone.I did all out of the innocency of my heart. But the third party am afraid is causing me problems.I believe God of Ruth can save me
Please pray with me,I don’t want to go to prison over a decision made over a business with someone.I did all out of the innocency of my heart. But the third party am afraid is causing me problems.I believe God of Ruth can save me
Oh God, help Mark Okechukwu Onyemauwa and deliver him from prison in Jesus Name.
May you not go to any prison in Jesus Mighty Name.
Praise God
God help me
blessed