Aligned with the King

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SCRIPTURE

Ruth 1:16 NLT

 

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”

 

DEVOTION

Advent is the season of hope and expectation.  It is the beginning of a four week period of preparation in anticipation of the nativity of Jesus at Christmas.  It is a time for faith communities and families to reflect upon the true meaning of Jesus’ birth.  I’d like to introduce you to an important woman named in Jesus’ family tree.  Her name is Ruth and her story begins in the book of Ruth.  Author, Jan Fallon describes Ruth as the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, Naomi’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Boaz, mother of Obed, grandmother of Jesse, and great-grandmother of David—Israel’s greatest king.  She earned not only a place in the Bible, but a place in the family line of the Savior and King of kings, Jesus.   In the scriptures, Ruth is described in many roles; however each one is a step of deep calling and clear purpose.  Ruth’s decision to follow the God of Israel and to follow Naomi to Bethlehem clearly depicts God’s provision for those who choose to follow Him. Ruth’s story is of redemption of Naomi as God’s chosen faithful, and of Ruth as a Gentile accepted by faith.  It is an analogy of God’s redemption offered to all people, which proclaims “whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).  Naomi’s decision to leave Moab is the prelude to Ruth’s commitment to go back with her, to be with her people, and to follow Naomi’s God.

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Orpah, Naomi’s daughter-in-law and the widow of her son Chilion, emotionally expressed her love for Naomi, but her heart decided she should remain in Moab. In contrast, Ruth’s devotion increased in intensity with these words; “I will go to your land, and there I will stay, with your people, with your God – I will die and be buried near you.” Ruth’s commitment was not only to Naomi, but to the Lord when the height of her vow is expressed, “May the Lord deal ever so severely with me if anything but death separates you and me” (Ruth 1:16-17). Naomi’s faith undoubtedly had immense impact on Ruth. When Ruth makes the decision to go with Naomi, she left everything behind and chose to follow God.  Sorors, we must do the same—follow Jesus.

 

Ruth’s life was one of love, loyalty, friendship and trustworthiness.  Her decision to follow Naomi to Bethlehem impacted the world, and through her--she became an ancestor of King David, and part of the lineage of Jesus Christ our Lord.  So, SORORS let us align ourselves with the King as we choose to love, to be loyal, to be friendly, and to be trustworthy as we do the work of DELTA SIGMA THETA, SORORITY, INC.

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PRAYER

Father, we are so grateful for those you chose to be a part of the lineage of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Help us to dedicate our lives in service to you.  Let us show and give love to others.  Help us to strive to be friendly, loyal and trustworthy in all our endeavors.  During this season of hope and expectation, strengthen us to share the glad tidings of Jesus’ birth.  Make us to know that we are also aligned with the King, and we are your daughters.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

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