Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

"Thus, and not otherwise, the world was made. Either something or nothing must depend on individual choices."  - C.S. Lewis

In the library of inspired books found in the Bible, the book of Ruth stands out. It contains not one, single instance of cruelty or wickedness. Nor is anyone the victim of vengeance and/or violence. We find the book filled with examples of virtue, courage, faith, diligence, love sorrow, and loyalty.

It tells the story of two widows (Ruth and Naomi), along with famine, prosperity, and separation in the strange land of Moab. Though Ruth was a Moabite, she was connected by heredity to Israel through Lot, the nephew of Abraham (Genesis 11:31).

Ruth conveys what just might be the most beautiful confession of human love in all of literature; and a beautiful commitment to God by a pagan woman. But, it's the happy ending where Ruth is welcomed into the heritage of Israel and the genealogy of Jesus that makes it one of the best loved books.

As you go page by page through the book of Ruth, the providence of God is clearly evident. What if Elimelech and Naomi had not traveled to Moab? What if the father and sons hadn't died? What if Naomi didn't return to Bethlehem? What if Ruth left Naomi as Orpah did? What if Ruth hadn't gleaned in the field of Boaz?

One can see the hand of God in every incident. If Ruth hadn't been submissive to God, she would have lived out her life in a land where the people did not serve Jehovah. When we put ourselves in God's hands, he will bring his plan to fruition in our lives. The lesson here is that no matter who you are, God has a plan for you!

Another lesson we can learn from Ruth is the power of human choice. There is a difference between Orpah's decision and Ruth's. In all fairness, Orpah was raised in a pagan home, therefore her past was against her leaving her home land. Orpah's teaching was also against her rejecting her nation's gods. On top of this, Naomi, her gracious mother-in-law urged her to return home.

She was very close to making a decision to stay with Naomi, but just couldn't do it. After all, her heart longed for Moab. In the end, she choose to leave Naomi and Ruth and go back to Moab; disappearing from history altogether.

On the other hand, Ruth decided to remain with Naomi, committing herself to Naomi's God. She never looked back from that point on. Her decision was final and unchangeable. What a huge tribute Ruth's decision was to Naomi. It had been her life and love for God that had delivered God to Ruth.

We all reach a point of decision in our lives. Deciding on the right one is never an easy task. The world can be very hesitant to set us free. However, the happy ending in Ruth demonstrates that we, too can find happiness in our lives by taking that leap of faith and committing ourselves to Christ with, both, conviction and devotion.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5; Jeremiah 29:11; James 3:17; Isaiah 41:10

Prayer: Dear God, help me make the right choices in life, and whatever they may be, I pray that my decisions will reflect your grace, mercy, and glory always. Amen

Have a blessed weekend!

Bibi