In the last blog, we saw Ruth’s extraordinary love for Naomi. You could say that Ruth’s faithfulness showed something of God’s love for us. Jesus loves us persistently, even when we try to shut Him out of the doors of our hearts. Naomi tried to withhold Ruth from showing love to her, from giving her the grace of extraordinary faithfulness. She tried to convince her to return to Moab, but she never did.
Jesus keeps looking for lost sinners, and he persistently sacrificed himself. He resolutely went to Jerusalem where he was crucified for our sins, an even greater grace.
We see in the parable of the lost son that God the Father has his arms outstretched waiting for his children to return (Luke 15:11-32). He is also looking for his lost children (Luke 15:3-7). And in Revelation, it says that Jesus is waiting at the doors of our hearts. When we are neither hot nor cold, he is there a knocking and he wants to light a fire inside us (Revelation 3:20).
As you can see in the story, Naomi does not seem to be especially seeking any divine intervention. She does not pray for help in Ruth 1. Rather she blames God for what happens to her. But God is still giving her grace, through Ruth.
Take comfort knowing that when you’ve reached the end of the rope with God, and you seem to be at the end of your faith, God is reaching out to help reignite it. He loves you.
We’re not always going to stand strong like Ruth. There are times when we want to give in and give up. That’s when we need other believers to help lift us up. And when that happens, remember that God does not condemn you (Romans 8:1). Rather, he feels your pain, and longs to heal you.
Let it sink in
- Listen to the song below about God’s love, which is constant in all circumstances.
- Sit still for a while or take a walk in nature. Ask God to show you love. Take time to feel it touch your soul.
- You may want to meditate on 1 John 4:10: This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Turn the verse over in your mind multiple times, and let God’s love sink in!
Deeper 