Adversity reveals the quality and theology of our determination. That’s the center of the Book of Ruth. A woman, Naomi, loses her husband and her sons and is left with her two daughters-in-law. In an act of compassion, Naomi releases these two women, Orpah and Ruth, to go find their next chapters in life. Orpah reluctantly leaves, Ruth doesn’t, she’s determined-determined to remain family, despite adversity. Determined to continue the journey, though everything seems uncertain, even the next meal. But, Ruth says to Naomi, “Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” She’s determined. But a few verses before those beautiful lines Naomi reveals the center of her determination despite her grief. “She had heard, in a faraway country, that the Lord had considered his people and given them food.” She is determined to experience the Lord’s determination to bless his people. That’s where the adventure begins for Naomi, Ruth and us.
For People with Bishop Rob Wright
The podcast expands on Bishop’s For Faith devotional, drawing inspiration from the life of Jesus to answer 21st-century questions.