Beyond the Weekend

April 14 | Inconvenience

April 14, 2015

Text: Ruth 1

When Ruth’s husband died, she had no obligation to bind herself to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Their situation was bleak and dangerous: two widows with no family or property. But, broken for Naomi and believing in the one true God, Ruth commits herself to Naomi, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God” (Ruth 1.16b).

This type of love is compelling and challenges our 21st century preoccupation with convenience as we go through our day with a “Do Not Disturb” sign hanging on our hearts.

Ruth’s commitment to Naomi echoes the commands of Christ for us to love each other as he loved us, giving up his life and rights for us (John 15.12-13). Usually, this type of sacrifice is not some distant mission project, but right in front of us. We never have to look too far.

We are hardwired for efficiency and, often, entering into the life of a person of “high-vulnerability” requires us to slow down to their pace—we need a “rewiring” of our hearts to see with eyes of compassion.

Today, as you welcome Jesus into your day, take a moment to sincerely pray, “God, please show me how I can be inconvenienced today.” Instead of putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign, ask God to “disturb you” by opening your eyes to a need you can step into and show selfless love. When he does, have the courage and faith to step out of your daily routine to love as Ruth loved Naomi, as Christ has loved us.

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