A Decision
Ruth 1:16-18 (ESV) 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” 18 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.
The story of Ruth is truly one of loyalty, faith, and determination. The power in it all hinged on one decision; the decision Ruth made to stay with Naomi, her mother-in-law. The situation was dim, and there was not much of a future to hope for. Ruth’s husband has died, she herself is not a Hebrew, and her mother-in-law instructs her to return to her people and their gods. But Ruth refused and made a decision—a decision that will impact not just her and Naomi but also a nation.
Too often in life, we do not realize the power and impact one decision can have. We do not consider the ramifications it can have on others, let alone on future generations. Just like Ruth, she was unaware of the ripple effect her decision would have. To the point, a king, King David,would come from her lineage as her great grandson. All due to her decision to stay with Naomi.
Decisions are initiated out of the will of man; so, the question is, what does the will of man listen to? Are we moved by emotions, by understanding, by circumstance, by difficulty, or by comfort, to name a few? Or are we moved by the Spirit of God, His purpose, His Words, and His plans? Ruth chose the latter, and I know she chose Yahweh’s purpose and not what seemed comfortable.
So, as you start your day, consider the decisions you make every day. Regardless of how great or small they are, are they ordered by emotion? Are they directed by your situation, good or bad? Or are you hearing and obeying Yahweh? Your decision will impact you today, but it may have a lasting influence on generations to come. Just like Ruth, “a decision,” your decision may just touch a nation.