Ruth 1:16: And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or 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, unlike Orpah her co-sister, wanted to serve the God of Naomi who was the God of Israel. She didn’t want to leave her mother-in-law for idol worship or pagan tradition. She was very firm in her heart about whom she was going to give her life to. She was determined to serve the one true God, the Jehovah of Israel. Orpah on the other hand, decided to return back to her pagan worship and customs. She was not strong willed like Ruth.
While Ruth bid goodbye to her tradition forever, Orpah bid goodbye to her mother-in-law forever as well as to God of Israel. She chose her own destiny. What have you chosen for your life today? Are you just coming to God for a blessing and then kiss Him and leave when the going gets tough or are you a committed person to stay through your perils and difficult situation? Ruth told Naomi that she would follow her wherever she goes and that she would serve her God as well. She could have chosen to go back like her co-sister when things started falling apart in her life, but she chose to remain firm and believe God against all odds.
It is better to remain with God and renew our commitment with Him rather than walking away from Him. If we have decided to stay put, then He will lift us up in His time just like how Ruth was honoured and exalted to be the great great grandmother of Jesus, our Lord. So, hang on and take a step of faith for your victory!
