Words of Encouragement January - 18 - 2004
"For wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge." This beautiful statement of loyalty makes its way into thousands of weddings each year. Incredibly, this wasn't originally a pledge of a bride or groom. Instead, it was the pledge of Ruth to her ex-mother-in-law. God loves loyalty and bestows his blessing and favor when we are loyal to others. In an era where people are thrown away as readily as paper plates and napkins, let's remember that loyalty is a quality that God not only loves, but it is also a quality that he defines for us in Jesus. So let's see loyalty to friends, to family, and to other followers of Jesus as a crucial commitment.
The Bible reading is from Ruth 1:16-17.
16 And Ruth said, "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.
17 Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me."
Let us go to our heavenly Father in prayer.
Almighty and faithful God, thank you for your loyalty to your covenant promises to Israel. Thank you for not giving up on your people or your promises despite the fickleness and unfaithfulness of your people. Bless us today as we seek to be a loyal and honorable people, your true children in a chaotic and disloyal world. May the light of faithfulness that is seen through us beckon others to find stability and hope in your grace and in your people.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.