“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 the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.” Ruth 1:6-7
Three women standing at the crossroads. Naomi had made her decision. There was nothing left for her in Moab. Her husband and her two sons were dead. She would return to Bethlehem. Her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, had a decision to make. They were young and had their life before them. Naomi encouraged them to return to Moab, find other husbands, and raise a family.
We do not know how long they stood there weeping, and discussing what was best for them to do. Finally, Orpah made her decision, kissed Naomi, and made her way back to the city. We never hear of her again.
Ruth had great love and respect for her mother-in-law. She decided to go with her. We know that the Lord guided her to make the right decision. Her words of commitment have been an inspiration through the ages.
Ruth 1:16-17 “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: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”
Because of her choice to return with Naomi to Bethlehem, the Lord blessed her. She found a husband and a family. More importantly, her name will never be forgotten. She became part of the genealogy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
As we look back on our lives, we realize that the choices we made when we were younger have had a bearing on things that happened in our lives later. There are no coincidences with the Lord. When we let Him lead and guide us in all our decisions, He weaves them all into the pattern of our lives. He has a perfect plan for each of us.
Thought For Today: God always gives the best to those who leave the choice with Him.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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