Leaving Everything Behind To Follow God

But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”

– Ruth 1:16-17

This dialogue made Ruth the great grandmother of King David and an ancestress of Jesus Christ. I grew up in a culture where women followed their husbands in almost everything including their religious beliefs. But Ruth's husband's family was a disaster. Every male person died including her husband. Furthermore, they were strangers in Ruth's country. Now, her mother-in-law Naomi had to return to Bethlehem. She wisely counselled Ruth not to follow her because Ruth can be with her people (and her real mother) and their gods, and possibly marry again. Her sister-in-law Orpah had taken the counsel, but Ruth refused to go back to her people and their gods.

In other words, Ruth had forsaken the lifestyle of a heathen and false religion. She decided to worship Yahweh, the God of Israel, Naomi's God. No matter how hard the journey may be; how uncomfortable the place may be; how strange the people may be; how demanding God may be; how solitary life may be; how death may come; she chose to follow the life Naomi had modelled for her. She promised to follow even after the death of Naomi. What a role model she had in this woman Naomi! But what a greater model of conversion and decision-making we see in this young woman Ruth!

Ruth had literally given up her world for God and God's people, in particular for Naomi. Thus, God did not only bless her with a rich godly husband, but also chose her to be the ancestress of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit had recorded her story of faith in the Scripture. Is there anything we cannot leave behind to follow God? Are our careers and our comforts more important and grandeur than what God has promised to those who obey Him? Would you, like Naomi, choose to love not only God but His people (the church) too?

Devoted to Seemingly Uncaring God in Trying Times

“Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

– John 11:32 Legacy Standard Bible [2021, New Translation]

The story of Mary is one of the best illustrations of devotion to God. Her devotion to Christ (anointing Jesus’ feet) came as a rebuke to the disciples and even to her sister (sitting at Jesus’ feet). Even in this account of raising Lazarus from the tomb, we see Mary’s fervent devotion to seemingly indifferent Jesus. First, Jesus healed a lot of sick people, but He wasn’t there for them. Second, Jesus delayed 2 days in coming. Yet, when Mary knew of Christ’s arrival, she ran to Him. Mary was utterly right that Lazarus wouldn't have died, had Christ been there in Bethany when he was sick.

However, Mary was also absolutely wrong to have said in that manner. When she said those words, she was saying, in fact, “It's unfortunate! It's a mistake that You were not able to be here! If you had been here, this would not happen!” However, we now know that it wasn't a mistake. Jesus purposefully let it happen (v4-6). It was not to torture Mary or Lazarus, of course. It was to strengthen their faith when He restored life to Lazarus. A thousand years ago, Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. Abraham didn't think it to be a mistake. He was devoted to God and decided to sacrifice his son, believing that God could raise him again (Heb.12:19). God confirmed his faith.

Few months ago, I bought a new laptop. It often got hanged 2, 3 times a day. And I often got annoyed thinking, “This is a mistake. Why would the Lord cause me to choose this deceitful laptop among many?” We know, God commits no mistake. I still have not found the exact reason why, but I have learned a lot about the need for patience already! After all, pastors should be known for their gentleness and patience, right? [I wrote this devotional piece months ago. At the time of publishing this blog, my PC has been working very smoothly for more than a month already. I thank God!]

Has it been for you that the Lord seems indifferent, unkind, and uncaring to answer your prayers? Remember, God’s compassion for us is exceedingly abundant than we can ever imagine. God allows all circumstances in life to strengthen us in our faith in Him. Would you practice to trust and rest in Him who knows all things and works for our own good?

Courage in Persecution

“For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”

– 2 Timothy 1:12

A strong conviction is required for any act of courage in times of adversity and persecution. Paul wanted Timothy to have a strong conviction by reminding the works of God. Apparently, Timothy was not courageous as he should be. Paul was slandered and arrested. Timothy could be charged too. Paul was exhorting Timothy not to be afraid of the persecution. He must proclaim the gospel, even if it would take him to prison like Paul.

In this verse 12, Paul understood his suffering as a divine calling, something to be endured joyfully, never to be ashamed of, no matter what everyone might say or think. A call to suffer is for all Christians, according to Philippians 1:28-29. Paul drew attention to the trustworthiness of Jesus Christ. Jesus wasn't afraid of suffering. He was slandered, mocked, beaten, crucified, and even bore the damnation of God for the gospel of Salvation. 

In Jesus, we see not only the pattern of suffering and trustworthiness, Paul reminded Timothy of the power of God to preserve us forever. Jesus warned us not to be ashamed of Him, but to suffer for Him. Peter denied Christ three times in one night. Jesus, the true Shepherd, forgave him and reinstated him to be a leader of His mission. Indeed, no one can snatch a Christian away from His hands (John 10:28). Not even our sin can make us slip, nor can we jump out because God's hand is stronger than anything.

This is our God, Saviour, and Lord. Nothing in life is outside His sovereign plan. Therefore, we need not be timid because of the adversaries, nor be afraid of our own weakness; rather we are to put our trust in God for who He is and His promises. Are you a timid Christian? Do you feel ashamed of following Christ publicly? Think of Christ and His Apostles, their warnings, examples, sufferings, and assurance of faith!

Responsible Family Member

 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

– 1 Timothy 5:8

Paul has a high view of the family. He requires that unless a man shows proven leadership in his home, he cannot be a public (church) leader. He further says that unless a man is a responsible family member, he cannot be possibly a church member (a Christian). In fact, he is worse than an unbeliever. Does this not come as a rebuke to many of us? We want to be leaders in the church or in society when we actually don't demonstrate a sense of responsibility in our own homes. Some are often saints outside their homes and devils in their homes.

The Christian instruction is that first and foremost, as an individual, each of us must pursue personal sanctification. Unless we are transformed by the Spirit to live a responsible life, how can we possibly help others? And unless we are taking care of our own family members, how can any outsider trust our message that we love them? Parents must bring up their children to maturity – that includes their physical needs, education, life skills, and instruction in righteousness and godliness. Children must grow up in obedience, and they should learn to repay their parents when they grow old.

The issue is not about how much they can provide (quantity) or the level of comfort they can give (quality). The issue is concerning the responsibility and the priority one has for his household. Paul expects even the unbelievers to follow this principle because God has written it on our conscience and in the fabric of human society. Sure, a believer may identify with other believers, but his responsibility towards his own family, even to the unbelieving family members, does not decrease. Rather, a Christian has an increasing responsibility not only to his household of blood but of faith too.

Are you having a good relationship with your family members? Have you been neglecting your family (or your spouse) because of your work? Take heed to the words of Apostle Paul. Would you please have a high view of the family?

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