Separate : Connect

Ruth 1:16-17

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. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”

The words Ruth spoke to Naomi are some of the most beautiful and profound words ever spoken. In a few simple sentences, she tells Naomi she is going to be with her until the end. Not only is Ruth going to be present with Naomi, they are going to share family, friends, and God. A longevity and depth of the relationship both exist. Consider the words of Paul in Romans 8:38-39:

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Note the word separate in both Ruth and Romans. An essential element of a relationship to God is permanence. Permanence is beautifully illustrated by Ruth. Location, common interests, convenience, etc... are of little to no importance in God's family. It is the only the people and the promise that matter.

As everybody is leaving, the real friend enters with no intention of exiting. Friendship in God's family has to do with both longevity and depth.

Reflection

List the people you are Ruth to or would like to be Ruth to: people you will never leave (longevity). How are you doing in keeping a healthy and loving relationship (depth) with the other person?

List the people who are Ruth to you: people who will stick by you no matter what (longevity). For the people who weren't on the previous list, how are you doing in your relationships (depth) with them?