Ruth 1.
Shepherd Elie Hamuli
Naomi had two sons; Ruth was married to one and the other to Orpah. Naomi understood that her sons were the link between her and her daughters-in-law, and their passing meant that nobody was connecting them any longer. She requested that both women return to their families because she had nothing else to give them; Orpah left, while Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi. There is a lesson to be learned here: what initiates a relationship is not necessarily what keeps it. In the same way, God can use people to bring us to Him, but they should not remain the bridge between Him and us. He wants a personal relationship with us, and it should not be dependent on others.
Although man can lead us to Christ, they shouldn’t be the ones to sustain our faith. So, instead of focusing solely on what brought you somewhere, discover the true essence of the relationship. Orpah left when she saw there was no longer a connecting element, yet Ruth stayed because she had a clear vision.
Having a vision is demonstrated through our commitment to adhere to the leadership God has placed in our lives. Being a visionary person enables us to remain loyal to someone or a cause even when the connecting element is gone. Ruth’s decision to remain with Naomi despite the lack of apparent reason to do so is a prime example of this. When we have a vision, determination is born, and as a result, we no longer act on our feelings but rather on our convictions. Naomi saw this determination in Ruth (see Ruth 1:18), and mentors can also test this in us to see how committed we are to staying.
The disciples were able to instantly obey Jesus when He called them to follow Him because they had a vision and could recognize Him as the Lamb of God. Thus, obedience does not require us to comprehend everything because having a full knowledge before obeying can lead to pride. Determination is essential since it gives us things we would not get if we only tried one time.
In Luke 18:1-8 there is a parable of a widow who was persistent and got her request granted, not because the judge was eager but because she was determined and persistent. Determination and persistence are expressions of faith, and speaking of the faith of that widow, Jesus said, “when the Son of Man returns, will He find such faith?” Don’t be too quick to give up but pray continually since some trials come to assess how much we want something.
The narrative of Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2:2 recounts the moment when Elijah was about to be taken away. Elisha was promised that if he witnessed Elijah’s departure, he would be granted a double portion of his anointing. On three occasions, Elijah asked Elisha to go a different direction, but he declined because he was determined to witness Elijah’s ascension in order to receive the double portion of the anointing. He understood that God had deposited a blessing in Elijah for him, so he stayed devoted since he was a visionary person.
God sometimes places what we need in other people so that we can rely on one another. We must first have the vision to perceive our blessings in others, then we must be humble to stay faithful and receive. Being a visionary person gives us the ability to serve God faithfully and without being pushed.
If we lack sight, God can open our eyes. We are called to be visionary people in the things of God. When sight is restored, we are able to recognize the motives that will give rise to determination and conviction. Satan, the god of this age [2 Corinthians 4:4], uses every means to prevent people from seeing. He tempts us with things that appeal to our flesh so that we lose sight of the truth. Satan blinds some, and to a greater extent, pride can also be a veil. When someone thinks they know it all, they fail to receive the simple truths. God is looking for those with a humble and childlike spirit who are eager to learn more about Him.
We could all be at the same location and exposed to the same Word, yet still experience different impacts. The way in which we approach the Word will make a difference; without emptiness, we are unable to receive as much. Paul urged Timothy to pass on the teaching to faithful men in 2 Timothy 2:2 since it will be through it that they will be able. When God wishes to offer anything, He gives it to obedient, devoted people who are dedicated to hearing and following His instructions. He is seeking available people to whom He can commit His sacred things, and He will take care of the training and abilities. If we avail ourselves, He will use us and enable us. Part of the reason He chooses faithfulness over abilities is so that no man boasts in themselves.
Covenant is one of the main elements of Ruth’s story. The Bible is filled with so many other stories of how the promotion of saints came through a covenant. Ruth said, “Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me” [Ruth 1:17 NKJV], which is similar to what Elisha said concerning Elijah, and that is what covenant looks like. Covenant has the power to drive us against all odds, including those posed by the people and things close to our hearts. A covenant is a legally binding agreement that is based on promises, commitment, faithfulness, and loyalty—even unto death. Because of this, it’s critical that we use our words wisely and to be careful what we say. Don’t be a part of this generation that breaks the covenant or doesn’t value it; it is better to prevent the damage than to attempt to repair it.
Through Jesus Christ, we have a covenant with our God, who is a God of covenant. In the old covenant, we needed to first be righteous in order to be accepted, but in the new, everything was accomplished through Jesus Christ so that we could be accepted. All we have to do to enter this covenant is to embrace Jesus Christ, for he took care of everything. A stronger and indestructible covenant—one that is not even subject to our mistakes—can be found in Jesus Christ.
Our sins are forgiven under the new covenant, which is discussed in Hebrews 8:7–13, and His Law is implanted inside our hearts. Instead of behavioral modification, it will focus on heart transformation, which leads behavior to gradually adapt to the change that is happening from within.
