Thematic Study | Loyalty to God: Ruth

Ruth 1

Reading link: https://bit.ly/3XmwsPZ
Audio link: https://bit.ly/4d0Vmdt 

Contemplation (verse 16-17)
“We, as believers, stand in awe before both Naomi and Ruth. For Naomi, a mother‐in‐law, by love, could draw her daughter‐in‐law away from her people and pagan gods, to bind with her, with her people, and her God, for no apparent hope for anything in return… It so seems that Ruth saw in Naomi’s life a testimony of true love and an exalted godly life, that drew her heart, mind, and all her energies away from the corrupt Moabite life! What she said to her mother‐in‐law (16, 17) will remain eternally alive, revealing a loving heart even to death … I wonder if we love our Christ, and if we long to die and be buried with Him, the way Ruth did toward her mother‐in-law?”
+ Fr Tadros Malaty

Personal Reflection
When we are faced with tribulation do we find ourselves like Elimelech, fleeing the way of the Lord to solve our problems without Him, or more like Ruth, remaining loyal to God? 

Bible Knowledge Question
What were the two names of Naomi’s daughter-in-laws, and what did they mean? 

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to learn from Ruth to always remain faithful to you even in times of despair. Help us to live in a way that draws people to You like Naomi did. Help us to resist fleeing to the world when Your way looks too hard, and the fruits of the world look so tempting. Amen.