16-17 But Ruth said, “Don’t force me to leave you; don’t make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I’ll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I’ll die, and that’s where I’ll be buried, so help me God—not even death itself is going to come between us!”
I’ve been blessed to have people in my life who love me. These people have reached out to me in times of need and supported and comforted me. I love them dearly. But the love shown in this passage seems unique. What would it mean for me to leave everything I know to follow one person. What kind of life did Ruth have in Moab? What were her relationships like with her family and friends? Her love for Naomi seems so deep.
Jesus, the lesson for me becomes clearer when I remember what you left to come and find us. You left a perfect community; a perfect family and lowered yourself to our level, our status. You did more than befriend us, you loved us with love we couldn’t begin to understand at the time, a love that saw you make the ultimate sacrifice for people who didn’t have a clue how to love you back. That’s love beyond comprehension! Perfect love!
A friend and I went for coffee a few days ago. He told me about a book he was reading and how the author challenged us to start each day differently. Instead of beginning the day with a “To Do” list of things that needed to get done, he suggested we begin each day with a “To Love” list of ways we could reach out and extend love to others. What would it look like if each of us were to intentionally reach out in love towards someone else every day? What would our community look like? How would that change me?
Jesus, thank you for redirecting me away from the long list of things that I need to do today. Help me find a way to reach out and love unselfishly; love in a way that doesn’t redirect attention towards me; love in a way that expects nothing in return; help me express love openly. Jesus, you’ve been calling me to rest, I pray that I can rest in the love that you’ve given me today, not stress about what’s going on around me. Rest! Rest! Rest!
Amen!
Journal Entry – September 21, 2012
Cal Funk
Cal who is married to Joan, is the Director of Cell Ministry at Seeds Church and a part of the Leadership Team.