God selflessly and relentlessly pursues YOU.
“For this is how God loved the world (YOU): He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone (YOU) who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we see loyalty, kindness, sacrifice, strength, forgiveness… we see true love.
In the book of Ruth, we see a beautiful relationship between a daughter and mother-in-law. Naomi has lost her husband and two sons and has become bitter, losing faith that God is with her (Ruth 1:20-21).
We fast-forward to our reading for today, Ruth 3, and notice that Ruth hasn’t left Naomi’s side and is now providing for the two of them. When Ruth could have left, she stayed. Ruth remained loyal to Naomi.
In Ruth 3 we see the great lengths Ruth goes to show Naomi her loyalty. It is through Ruth’s loyalty that she humbly and boldly asks Boaz to redeem her family. Ruth didn’t marry Boaz for her own wealth or good fortune. Ruth did these things for Naomi. It was selfless sacrifice and fierce loyalty.
God’s love for YOU is selfless sacrifice and fierce loyalty. It is not “What’s in it for me?” or “If you do this, then I’ll love you.” It is selfless and fierce. God’s love is loyal. It keeps no record of wrong and it does not expire.
Naomi didn’t do anything to earn Ruth’s love and loyalty, in fact, she tried to get rid of her (Ruth 1:8-15)! Ruth didn’t stay with Naomi out of obligation or for her own benefit. Ruth loved out of an abundance of faith. Ruth knew there was more to life for her and Naomi. She kept going, kept pursuing, and God kept providing.
God doesn’t run out of love. God will keep providing (2 Corinthians 9:8). Walk in an abundance of faith that God has been and will always be faithful. God does not give up on YOU, don’t give up on God.
Questions for reflection:
- When was a time someone showed loyalty to you? How did their loyalty feel?
- Do you believe God’s loyalty is for YOU? How can you cling to his faithfulness?
- Think of a time when God has been loyal/faithful in your life… How is he being faithful to you today?
- What do you need God to provide for you today? Ask him for that (Matthew 7:7)!