Tuesday, 29th August 2023
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: WATCH WHAT YOU DO AND SAY
THEME SCRIPTURE: “And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” – Ruth 1:15
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why did Naomi insist that Ruth and Orpha return to their people and their gods?
Christians are expressly referred to as ambassadors of Christ, who, through God, make His appeal in reconciling the world to Himself (2 Cor 5:20). As lights in our dark world, God expects all His children to live exemplary lives in word and in action. This is to encourage the world around us to seek God. We are expected to be both conscious and deliberate in all human interactions, with the sole objective of making disciples for Christ. We are also expected to represent Christ here on earth.
It would be tragic for Christians to speak and act in a thoughtless manner, making Christianity unattractive to the world.
A strange and unpleasant discourse erupts between Naomi and her two daughters-in-law. Remember that at this time Naomi has resolved to return to her covenant community and place of promise. “So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah (Ruth 1:7).” For whatever reason, Naomi undeniably modelled a life consistent with her worship of the One True God (YHWH). This might have triggered a desire for her daughters-in-law to follow her to her covenant community and family of faith. While en route, Naomi turns to Orpah and Ruth and urges them to return to their families. Her explanations may appear to be very realistic and reasonable, but they give the impression that she has completely given up hope in God. Her lifestyle may have persuaded Orpah and Ruth to want to follow her, but Naomi’s words en route were unsavoury and unbecoming of a child of promise. Naomi, aware that the Moabites worshipped other gods, insists that Orpah and Ruth return to their people.
By any standard, it is tragic and unfortunate for a covenant child to persuade people to return to pagan gods.
Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, whatever you say and do has the potential to either encourage people to seek after your God or generate hatred and disdain for God. This is the case regardless of whether you intend it to or not.
The burden of responsibility that comes with being both a city on a hill and a light in the world is huge.
Therefore, be conscious of your words and your actions. You must always have the objective of witnessing to or influencing others to seek after your God. The world around us is watching with keen interest in what you do. Be an example to everyone, wherever you find yourself—at home, in your marriage, at the workplace, or in the Church. God bless you.
FURTHER READING – Ruth 1
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Are you conscious of who you are and what is expected of you as an ambassador of Christ Jesus?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me to by Your Holy Spirit to be conscious in imitating Christ in word and deed in making disciples of the world around me through Christ Jesus, Who strengthens me. Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Kings 3; Jeremiah 51; 1 Corinthians 11
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