There are certain key moments in life when a decision made will transform a life and define a destiny. We often refer to these as “defining moments.” Hua Mulan putting on her aged father’s armor and going in his stead to battle because he was too old to fight; Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat in 1955 to resist oppression are both examples of defining moments that shape a destiny.
Such is the biblical story of Ruth. While many tend to view the book of Ruth as mainly a reference point for finding a suitable marriage partner (there’s nothing wrong with that); It is however not the pivotal point of the story. The reason Ruth is cemented for all time in biblical record isn’t only because she married Boaz. In fact, Ruth’s marriage to Boaz and her inclusion in the genealogy of Christ are derivative of a key defining moment in her life.
This defining moment is found in the Book of Ruth 1:14-18 as she responds to her mother-in-law, Naomi.
…But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God…”
This was the moment which transformed Ruth’s life and defined her destiny. Despite Naomi’s logical plea, Ruth made a decision and remained strong in her resolve. She made a pledge to Naomi and never turned back.
Coming to Christ is the greatest defining moment of the believer’s life. It is a moment marked by strong resolve as the believer makes a decision to follow Christ. A decision that requires submission, sacrifice, commitment and denial of self.
…Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me…” Luke 9:23
And just like Ruth who made a pledge and gained a lineage in Christ, the believer also makes a pledge and gains entry into the family of God (Galatians 3:26), and thus inherits eternal life.
Jesus, I will worship thee,
In this holy place,
Amidst thy great church,
I will worship thee until the end
I shall carry home thy blessings.
-CCC HYMN 62
You’ve said it all. Lot’s wife was not submissive to the commandment of God when He told them to go and leave the city and also she can’t deny herself of the things of this world and she looked back and she perished . Word of God said he/she that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matt 24:13 . And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 2 Tim 2:5 Don’t worship God because of gain, I mean because of what you are going to get from Him but worship Him because you love Him. May God teach us to love Him with all our heart,our soul , might and strength IJN.