Introduction

I learned so many things from my mother-in-law. One wash and rinse your dishes in the hottest water you can stand and the dishes will dry faster. We didn’t always see eye to eye. But I had the privilege of living with her the last four years of her life.  Approximately year three, forced to live a month in an RV park, while her middle son was living with her. During this time it looked like it was going to be a permanent choice and I suffered profound sadness. Sadness at the situation, sadness for the tension that was in the home. My husband had promised his dad that we would care for his mom as he was dying in 2012. Where did this promise fit in with what was happening?

After reading the commentaries, the God that Moabites served was Chemosh. Ruth would be at a disadvantage in following Naomi back to Bethlehem. They believed that their God was only in the territory of Moab. However, Ruth in her statement voices her change of heart and she follows the true God. She expresses loyalty to the God of Abraham.

Reading and Assignment

Ruth 1: 15-18, Proverbs 31:25, SOAP Ruth 1: 16-17

Scripture

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. (Ruth1:16-17 KJV).

Observation

Ruth convincingly pleads with Naomi to go with her. We do not know what her home life was like before she married Naomi’s son but we do know that Naomi had a light in her home from the true God. Ruth wants what her mother-in-law has in a relationship with God. Ruth shows loyalty and commitment.

Application

What is your relationship with your mother-in-law, your daughter-in-law, and your God? Are you committed to serving God regardless of where you live? Are you willing to serve God regardless of whether your family believes?

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your word. Thank you for the story of Ruth. Today we read about loyalty and commitment to a family member but more importantly to God. Each day we have a choice of who we will serve.

Conclusion

We ended up solving our dilemma and were able to move back to the house. We lived with Doug’s mom until she passed away. We kept the promise that we made to Doug’s dad. I remember the day when my mother-in-law could see how sad I was that we were in this conflict. She embraced me and said it would all work out and that she loved me. We had so much fun going to garage sales and yes, even washing dishes. I am a better woman for the influence that she had on my life. Ruth accepts Naomi’s God as her God.

Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? Is your relationship with your mother-in-law difficult? Will you forgive her? How is your relationship with your daughter-in-law? Does she know the God you serve?