Ruth replied [to her mother-in-law, Naomi]: "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."
This beautiful statement of loyalty makes its way into thousands of weddings each year. Incredibly, this wasn't originally a pledge of a bride or groom. Instead, it was the pledge of Ruth to her mother-in-law - some would call her an ex-mother-in-law since Ruth's husband, Naomi's son, had died. Ruth, however, never treated Naomi as an "ex" of any kind. God loves loyalty and bestows his blessing and favor when we are faithful to others. In an era where people are thrown away as readily as paper plates, paper napkins, and soft drink cans, let's remember that loyalty is a quality that God not only loves but also a character trait that he defines for us in Jesus. So, let's see our loyalty to our friends, family, and other followers of Jesus as a crucial and God-honoring commitment. God used Ruth's loyalty to change history and bring us Jesus!
My Prayer...
Almighty and faithful God, thank you for your loyalty to your covenant promises to Israel. Thank you for not giving up on your people or abandoning your promises despite the fickleness and unfaithfulness of your children. Bless us today as we seek to be loyal and honorable people, your true children in a turbulent and treacherous world. May the light of faithfulness seen in us beckon others to find stability and hope in your grace and among your people. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
"[In response to the coming of the Holy Spirit on Jesus' followers, the crowd responded:] "And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages....."
"God delivers his people from the snare of the fowler in two senses. From, and out of. First, he delivers them from the snare-does not let them enter....."
"If your heart takes more pleasure in reading novels, or watching TV, or going to the movies, or talking to friends, rather than just sitting alone with God and...."
About This Devotional
Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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