Memorize: To them who by patient continuance In well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: Romans 2:7
Devotional Reading: Ruth 4:13-17
Ruth has been our exemplary case study in the past few days, she was an outstanding lady right from the time she had an encounter with the God of the Jews. She loved God and his people to the point that she gave up her people and nation, just like Abraham, she allowed God choose for her. And like Abraham, by so doing, she was responding to a divine call. As at the time she was about to leave, Orpah, her sister-in-law, also of Moab, called her aside and asked: “Do you really mean to go with Mummy Naomi back to her place? “Yes”, she replied. ‘Why’? Or have you been brain washed by the teachings you have been receiving?” Orpah asked with probing eyes. “I believe all we were taught because I have found out that the God of the Jews is the real God. Why should I continue in Moab and starve myself of more knowledge about this God?” Ruth replied. Orpah was shocked; she stared at her sister-in-law in surprise. You mean you will forsake your people and their religion and follow the strange God and customs of the Israelites? You must be a fool! Have you considered the reality of what mummy Naomi said: that there is no guarantee of having another husband or hope of a better life in Israel, while there are several men to choose from in Moab?” ‘Husband or not, I am going with our mother-in-law to her country, her people will be my people and I will serve her God. She has offered what nobody else in Moab could. I cannot afford to lose this golden opportunity. Do you care to join us?” Ruth asked? ‘Keep your decision to yourself. I am better off in Moab than any place else. Bye’, Orpah said and left.
May the Lord give you the Spirit of discernment like Ruth so that you too will make Godly decision today regardless of what someone else thinks about it in the name of Jesus.
Ruth went with Naomi to Bethlehem. She had no hope of a suitor because Jews were not expected to marry from the gentiles, but over a period of time, people saw that she was a true believer. Her life and conduct were exemplary, before long, suitors started coming. But she turned them down as she waited for God to choose for her. Finally, the choice of God came. You too can learn from this, don’t rush to accept just any offer thrown at you, patiently wait on God, pray about it and allow God chose for you.
When a believer is refusing to accept the offers of the world, it is because there is a better offer reserved for the person by God. Are some person’s asking your hand In marriage, but while praying God says, No? It is because He has reserved your Boaz through whom your destiny can be actualized and fulfiled. Also, we learnt that In order to get God’s best, patience is inevitable. To get God’s best, you may have to turn down man’s lucrative offer. My plea with you is don’t jump at any offer. If Ruth had done so, she would have been history rather than making history.
May the Lord give you the grace to wait patiently and allow God choose for you.
Prayer point: Almighty and omnipotent God, please cboose for me in Jesus name
Key Dose: Anytime you are made an offer, the first thing you must do is pray and seek the face of God about it; don’t chose for yourself, let God chose for you.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
