"And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."
Ruth 1:16

This scripture is often used in weddings. But its context is far less soothing and sentimental. A Jewess named Naomi was left devastated and destitute after her husband and two sons died. She expected to be abandoned, especially after one daughter-in-law kissed her goodbye. But the other, Ruth, felt a double pull not to leave Naomi alone. Though a pagan Moabitess, she recognized that Naomi's God - the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- was the one true God whom she wanted to serve. And Ruth also had a heart touched by God - instead of the quick kiss with "You're on your own now," to a crushed Jewish woman, Ruth "clave unto her" (v 14) with a life-time embrace of compassion.

How often in today's world I have seen the Jews feel cold in their "widow's world" - when anti-Semitism has risen and they have felt alone. Many have been the Christian kisses of sympathy - like Orpah - but few have reached out like Ruth to say to the Jews and the lonely people of Israel, "I will not let you stand alone." Yet we were pagans until we trusted in the Lord God of Israel - until we received a Jewish Messiah, Jesus, and saw truth in the Hebrew Scriptures. What better way to please the Father's heart than to pay a debt of love owed the Jews. And don't merely give the kiss of sympathy, but a lifetime embrace that draws them into your prayers, love and concern.

My Prayer:

"Father, You have blessed me through the Jews. Thank you for my Savior and Scripture. Now they need Your love. Help me not to leave them with the kiss of Orpah but to cleave to them with the commitment of Ruth. Give my Your heart for Israel."

This devotional comes from Frank Eiklor’s one-year devotional book “Experiencing God’s Extravagance!” You may contribute and receive the book; click here for more information!