“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
TEXT —Ruth 1:6-18
Message
In the 2nd Century AD in Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey) lived a faithful and steadfast disciple of Christ named Polycarp. He was a disciple of the apostle John and a revered Christian leader. When persecution intensified, Roman authorities demanded that he renounce his faith. Polycarp’s response was legendary: “Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” He refused to deny Jesus, even when faced with execution. His loyalty to Christ remained steadfast, and he was martyred by fire. His unwavering commitment inspires Christians until this day.
Famine had driven Elimelech and his family to Moab, a heathen nation, to seek a livelihood. Ironically, he and his two sons died there leaving behind his wife, Naomi, and the daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. Having heard about God’s visitation in Israel, Naomi decided to return home. She appealed to her daughters-in-law to remain in their country. While Orpah yielded, Ruth determined to go with her.
Adverse situations tend to bring out either the good or the bad in people. Ruth’s decision to give up the possibility of security and remarriage at home, and to worship and serve the true and living God of Israel is indeed instructive and inspiring. She was handsomely rewarded, as she became the great-grandmother of King David and a direct ancestor of Jesus.
The lesson derivable from this is that God does not disqualify anyone from accepting and serving Him because of race, nationality, or social standing. He seeks faithful and loyal disciples. God loves sincere and committed followers. Do not allow bitterness, grief, and disappointment of the present to blindfold you to the tremendous opportunities of God’s love, care, and restoration.
Thought for the day
Steadfastness and faithfulness are big-earning cousins.
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.
