Ruth: Side-by-Side

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Ruth 2:2

Read: Ruth 2:1-3

Listen: Ruth 2

Ruth has an extraordinarily giving heart. She willingly leaves behind her own people and culture to walk side-by-side with the mother of her dead husband. No laws nor customs dictate her devotion. She chooses to courageously follow Naomi wherever she goes and vows to follow her God and her people. Once back in Bethlehem, she labors in the fields to glean unpicked grain so she and Naomi can eat.

God sees and loves an open and giving heart. He has preserved Ruth’s example in Scripture for times of crisis like the one we are experiencing. Like Ruth, we can walk side-by-side with someone who needs us, asking God for his strength. Instead of using our lockdown time just to do what we want, we can make a daily phone call to someone living alone or a family we know is struggling. We can have meals sent to a first responder, or the family of a health care worker on the front lines. Until the lockdown ends, there is someone who needs our encouragement and support.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

There is someone right now you need to walk with side-by-side. Ask God to reveal who needs you, and then start by letting them know daily you are with them during this hard time.

COMMUNION AT HOME

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.