So how is it that Ruth the Moabite makes the choice to make the journey to be a refugee in Bethlehem? God draws her to Bethlehem through her love for Naomi. Through her love for Naomi, and her willingness to serve, Ruth vows to go where Naomi goes, and worship the God she worships. And Naomi's home is a special place, that will have an even bigger role in the story of salvation, as the birth place of Jesus. God's purpose in bringing Ruth to Bethlehem will be revealed over the next two weeks of readings, and it starts today with Ruth's introduction to Boaz. And to start with, Boaz, a devoted man of God, is guided to ensure that Ruth prospers in her new place.
We, too, are drawn by God through our love for other people. We are attracted by the love of God we see reflected in them, and we are influenced by THEIR trust in God. Based on how our loved ones react to THEIR circumstances, we can be inspired to loyalty for God. And loved ones can be instrumental in bringing us to God's special places, like the church, and encouraging us to participate with God's people. All of this is possible through God's purpose, which is individual for each of us, but has in common that we prosper as disciples of his Son.
Gracious God, we thank you for the loved ones like Naomi, whom you have given to us to help draw us to you. Use us also, as ones who love, to draw others, in Jesus' name....