Series | Promises and resolutions |
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Theme | 2. Good promises - Folafolaga lelei |
Colour | Lanu Meamata |
Scripture Focus: Ruta 1:6-18
Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that Yahweh had visited his people in giving them bread. She went out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house: Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me. Yahweh grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband.” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voice, and wept. They said to her, “No, but we will return with you to your people.” Naomi said, “Go back, my daughters. Why do you want to go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Go back, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, ‘I have hope,’ if I should even have a husband tonight, and should also bear sons; would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from having husbands? No, my daughters, for it grieves me much for your sakes, for the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me.” They lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth joined with her. She said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people, and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law.” Ruth said, “Don’t entreat me to leave you, and to return from following after 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; where you die, will I die, and there will I be buried. Yahweh do so to me, and more also, if anything but death part you and me.” When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, she left off speaking to her.
- Ruth 1:6-18 (WEB)
Study:
This passage reveals a poignant scene of loss and decision. Naomi, burdened by grief and feeling the hand of God against her, urges her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to return to their own families. She believes she has nothing to offer them, having lost her husband and sons. However, Ruth demonstrates an unwavering loyalty and makes a profound commitment to Naomi, choosing to abandon her own people and gods to follow Naomi and embrace Yahweh. Ruth's powerful declaration, "Your people shall be my people, and your God my God," signifies a complete and transformative allegiance. Orpah, while expressing affection, chooses the familiar path back to her homeland. This narrative highlights the stark contrast between those who cling to their past and those brave enough to embrace a new future, guided by faith and devotion.
Application:
We often face difficult decisions involving letting go of the past and embracing a new direction. Like Naomi, we may feel burdened by regret or believe we have little to offer others. Ruth’s story reminds us that true faithfulness and love often require sacrifice and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones. Her commitment is a beautiful example of radical hospitality and devotion. We can apply this by examining our own commitments – are we clinging to things that hinder our spiritual growth, or are we wholeheartedly pursuing a life aligned with God’s will? This passage encourages us to make good promises and to follow through with them, even when the path is unclear or challenging.
Reflection Questions:
- What aspects of Naomi’s life led her to feel hopeless?
- How does Ruth’s response to Naomi demonstrate true loyalty and faith?
- What “familiar paths” might we be tempted to return to, even when God is calling us to a new direction?
- How can we cultivate the same steadfast commitment Ruth showed in our own lives?
- In what ways are we being called to make good promises today?
Prayer:
Loving God, thank you for the example of Ruth's unwavering faith and loyalty. Help us to release our regrets and embrace the new path you have set before us. Grant us the courage to make good promises and to follow through on them, even when it's difficult. May our lives be a testament to your love and grace. Amen.
Tags: Ruth, Loyalty, Faith, Commitment, Regret, Promises, Devotion, New Beginnings, God's Will, Bible Study