Where Ever You Go

Ruth lost her husband and wasn't about lose her mother-in-law. She honored Naomi and deeply loved her enough to follow her across the border of Israel - to a people who had a history of conflict with her own nation - though for now there was peace. Her people had a dark history. They were descendants of Lot's daughters who committed incest (Genesis 19:35-37).

Her heart trembled at the thought of leaving all that was familiar and comforting, but she was drawn by the rich history of Naomi's God who did miraculous signs from Egypt to Canaan land. She was most interested in one particular woman. Naomi talked about her one late evening. Rahab, the harlot who was saved, when Jericho was destroyed. She thought of the woman who was so brave to hid the spies at risk of her own life. Later, Rahab found a home in Israel, the enemy of her people.

How little did Ruth know she would marry Boaz, the son of Rahab (Matthew 1:5)!

Now she watched Oprah her sister-in-law give Naomi a light kiss on her face. Slowly she turned away. She walked along a narrow dirt path never once looking back. Ruth remained rooted to the ground and Naomi couldn't change her mind to join Oprah.

I believe the words of Ruth 1:16-17 speaks so powerfully of a prayer we must be willing to offer to the Lord.

But Ruth answered, "Stop urging me to abandon you and to turn back from following you. Because wherever you go, I'll go. Wherever you live, I'll live. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I'll die and be buried. May the LORD do this to me—and more—if anything except death comes between you and me." (ISV).

Are we willing to go where He goes? Are we willing to cross the border into what might seem like foreign and unfriendly territory to be with Him? Are we willing to sacrifice our comfort, sorrow, and joys in exchange for His own? And are we willing to lay down our lives just to be nearer to Christ?

Ruth's first step with Naomi would walk her into Biblical history and into the blood line of King David and later, the Messiah. Unlike Oprah who turned away and as a result walked out of the pages of the Scriptures only to be forgotten.

Are we willing to say, "I will go where You go Lord!"

For where He leads us will take us not only into a promised land but into everlasting life.