March 27 Ruth & 1 Corinthians 8
The book of Ruth 1:16-17 gives us the famous saying, "Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God. Where you die I will die, and there be buried." While many people use this at weddings and it is indeed appropriate, it is a gift to a friend, not a lover. Ruth's love for her mother-in-law Naomi. Oh, that we would live in such a loving and caring world. Then again, maybe we can. You and I can choose to love each person that comes into our life. Let these verses inspire you!
Paul helps us to acknowledge the realities of our lives. We manage to raise up idols and gods of our own making. These never bring the satisfaction or peace we desire. Short turn happiness or peace maybe? They have no real substance or power. 1 Cor. 8:6, "...for us, there is one God, the Father, from whom all things are and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are and through whom we exist." Through faith we can see that Jesus Christ shows us the way to live in relationship with God our Father, knowing that this relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit offers us life. A life that can live in peace even as we struggle through trials and troubles. Jesus was able to face the cross and death with the help of the Father and Holy Spirit. Together with them and our loving brothers and sisters in Christ, we can too.