Day 9 – Cleaving
Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines cleave as:
“To unite or be united closely in interest or affection; to adhere with strong attachment.”
Love is not only a display of affection but is an action as well. When we love, we put that love on display through our actions, amen? You can’t love someone and not do anything for that person. It’s our natural desire to show our love through our actions.
Ruth showed that love toward her mother in law in one of the most wonderful ways. Ruth “adhered” to her mother in law. She showed her love and devotion by following her wherever she would go. Ruth was willing to abandon everything she had learned as a child for the sake of her mother in law! Ruth’s devotion went all the way to Naomi’s faith – Ruth wanted to follow her anywhere!
Would I have done this? In my brain, I would have thought that there were too many “what if’s” to worry about in a situation like that. After all, how many women do you know would follow their mother in law and not their very own family? It’s something to think about. Naomi’s faith left such an impression with Ruth that Ruth wanted to follow her to an unknown place. Is my faith that evident that others would follow me anywhere?
Ruth’s devotion to her mother in law produced great results. Sometimes it takes years – even generations – to see those results. But Ruth was rewarded in her lifetime for such devotion and love. It’s a great lesson for us. What we do now may affect our grandchildren. What we do now may not even show up for hundreds of years. This was also true in Ruth’s life. Yes, she was blessed with a wonderful husband in Boaz. But look at how it affected her future!
God rewarded her love and devotion by allowing Christ to come from her Gentile lineage! Our Saviour chose Ruth! Wow!
Who would have thought that love and devotion would be rewarded in this manner? I’m sure this went far and beyond Ruth’s wildest dream!
Think about it … what we produce now, spiritually speaking, not only has an effect on us but also on our families … and years down the road. We don’t know what will happen but wouldn’t you like to be remembered for being devoted to the Lord in the same manner Ruth was devoted? It’s never too late to start … jump in with both feet and commit your ways to the Lord.
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