DAY 13: Ruth and Naomi: Loyalty and Devotion: Ruth 1

Hey girly girls!

Ruth was a very loving and friendly woman and in this devotional we will be reading the whole book, so here's a little about the book:
Ruth was written around 1000 BC it is set during the time of judges when there was peace (very temporary) between Moab and Israel. In my opinion, Ruth and Naomi are amazing role models of friendship, loyalty, and commitment and to each other.

Every year magazines like People compose lists of twenty or so women who are well known for some accomplishment, be it athletics, art, acting politics, education, etc. These women share one thing, they are trying to make the world a better place. Readers are asked to rank the ladies and then a "women of the year" is decided.

If you were choosing a women of the year among your friends and acquaintances, what qualities would you look for? Leadership? Positive influence on others? The ability to accomplish a task?  This girl would probably be someone you respected and that you trusted to do the right thing. You'd probably think about how friendly, caring, loyal, and genuine she is. If the people of Bethlehem had chose a women of the year 3,000 years  ago, it probably would've ended up in a dead ties between Naomi and Ruth. They had a great friendship!

In this first chapter of Ruth, we learn a lot about commitment and loyalty to God, and one another and how they are true marks of godly character....
Have you every had a friend who dumps you at the first sign of trouble? That is not loyalty! It's those tough times when you need a friend the most! When you just aren't feeling lively or fun, when your boyfriend breaks up with you, when you have an 8 page essay due the next. A friend who bails on you in times like that is not true. Ruth on the other hand gave up everything to support her mother-in-law. Knowing that Naomi couldn't give her anything in return. If Naomi were your friend would you have done the same?

My favorite verse in this chapter is 1:16

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave up 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


So much loyalty!
Have a good one!
Anne