Ruth 1: 8 - 18

We have already been introduced to Naomi and her 2 daughter in-laws, Ruth and Orpah. (no, not O-prah) All 3 of their husbands died. Naomi wished to return to her homeland, and she released Ruth and Orpah from serving her to do the same (v. 8 – 9).
Well, the 2 girls didn’t want to leave Naomi (v. 10). That’s when Naomi lays out what it would cost to stay with her: Possibly never getting married again (v. 11 – 13), perhaps never seeing their family again (v. 15) and maybe even having to change religions (v. 15). An expensive cost!
“Smell ya later!” says Orpah as she finally gives in to the idea of leaving and takes off (v. 14). But Ruth stayed. In v. 16 she lays out her commitment to staying with Naomi, including “only death will separate us.”
That’s a pretty strong commitment! It’s not surprising that the Hebrew word for Ruth means “friendship”.
I am impressed with the loyalty of many sub-culture people. Bands, a “scene”, political or social causes, going to Cornerstone, are all things that are remained loyal to. I am most impressed in your loyalty to your friends. But it is in this that I also see disloyalty. Too often, when even a small thing breaks down between friends, the relationship ends. And sometimes people are unofficially shunned by others in the “scene”. I see people give up too easily (like Orpah) and not sticking with their friends (like Ruth).
The USMC regularly evaluates the job performance of each Marine. One of those areas of evaluation is Loyalty . At a time during my 10 years in the Corps., my performance was not good, and I received bad evaluations, except in the area of Loyalty and Faithfulness. They were always marked very high. My devotion to, and love of the Corps didn’t waver. Despite my bad performance (which I greatly regret) I am proud that my loyalty and faithfulness were steadfast. I don’t regret that! After all, the motto of the Corps is Semper Fidelis (Latin – Always Faithful)
Are you as loyal to your friends as much as you are to bands or anything else no matter what the cost? Who is it that is loyal to you? Who has been shunned by “the scene” and needs loyal friendship?
Today I encourage you to seek to be loyal like Ruth, and to thank God for the friends that stick with you no matter the cost. Pray also for those who have strayed and need loyal friends to support them.

- Richard M.