Of all the books of the scriptures, the book of Ruth stands out. It narrates the story of a young lady from Moab called Ruth, and her journey to the land of Bethlehem.

In chapter one of the book of Ruth, the curtain opens on Naomi, Ruth’s mother in law after the death of her son (Ruth’s husband). Ruth loved Naomi. This love would finally lead her to become the great grandmother of the great king David. Ruth’s story is a beautiful story of grass to grace, a story of hope and one that was written for the present-day believer’s admonition.

I would like to share some lessons that I learnt as I read through the book. 

1. The Present Circumstance of a Believer doesn’t describe him/her, he possesses something eternal.

To the physical eyes, Naomi was finished. She had just lost her husband and 2 sons. She must have thought “we made a big mistake coming down from Bethlehem to Moab”. Everything her world revolved around was all gone. But you know what? Even at that state, Ruth still clung-on to her, not wanting to let her go. Why? She had God. 

Look, said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” 

(Ruth 1:15-16)

Rather than Ruth leaving Naomi like Orpah, her sister in law, she knew Naomi had God, and she was interested in having that same God, hence your God will be my God. Ruth knew that despite Naomi appearing to have lost all, she should not be judged by her present situation, she had something of far more eternal value in her possession and she was ready to cleave to Naomi for that. Because that thing that Naomi had, Ruth knew it was able to make her story better and sweeter.

Throughout Scriptures, you see this same scenario play again and again:

Paul said we are poor yet (what we carry) is making others rich… (2 Cor. 6:10).

Jesus was on the cross, stripped naked, losing his life yet he was granting forgiveness and passage to heaven for another. 

Jacob: cheated left, right and center having nothing yet, he was making Laban rich. (He had God, he carried the covenant). Same with Joseph in Potiphar’s house. And the list goes on and on.

Scriptures says:

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us 

(2 Cor. 4:7 KJV)

2. The Need for Mentors

Reading the book of Ruth, you will notice how following Naomi’s instruction and mentorship, Ruth was able to change her story from being a widow to being the great grandmother of King David. Getting a mentor helps you stay on the shoulder of someone taller than you, so you can see far. 

For young believers, my admonition is always that Life is too complex, for you to start to figure it out with your brain. Get a mentor, someone who can guide you and you can do life better under his instructions. 

The book of 1 Timothy, is full of instructions from Paul on how Timothy was to do life and run the church. Timothy needed that guidance, Paul was there to grant it. So do you need guidance, my reader.

To be contd. 

Say with Me:

I know who I am, 

I am not defined by my present situation, 

Greater is he that is in me, 

I’m a covenant carrier, 

I’m a grace giver,

I’m blessed in all that I do, 

I’m blessed to be a blessing, 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I Call You Blessed

Samson Afolabi