A Christian Paradox

Full video at:https://youtu.be/9ViJY8_eutw

Most bible students love the story of Ruth telling Naomi, "Wherever you go, I will go." (Ruth 1:16).

Hello, I'm Clarence, I'm the preacher. I know that at first glance Ruth looks like a follower, but I'm going to tell you that Ruth was a leader.

Ruth was a leader because she chose the direction of her life. Naomi encouraged Ruth to return to her own people, but Ruth would have none of that. Ruth chose to go with Naomi and begin a new life in Israel.

Yes, it is true that Ruth followed Naomi to Israel, but Ruth was not a defeated or dowering follower. Ruth was strong. She chose the direction she wanted to go. She had the option to leave but rejected that option.

The story of Ruth and Naomi is a heart-warming story. If you have not read it in a while, I encourage you to pick up your bible and let that story warm your heart. It is only four pages long, but it sure delivers a blessing.

Ruth is an awesome role model for Christians. The underlying principle fits perfectly for Christians. We can experience the same deep emotions in our relationship with Christ.

We choose to follow Jesus. We had a choice to say "yes" or "no." Jesus does not force us to follow Him any more than Naomi forced Ruth.

We can be like Ruth in having a resolve to follow Jesus no matter where that leads. We can say, along with Ruth, "Wherever you go, I will go." We can follow Jesus to spiritual Israel. And we can discover blessings we have not anticipated, just like Ruth.

Jesus doesn't want us to follow him as defeated and cowardly followers, but rather as people enthusiastic, determined to imitate his lead. Jesus wants us to take responsibility for the direction of life and our future, just as Ruth did. She did not let circumstance push her around, she chose the direction of her life. Likewise, we choose the direction of our life, we choose to follow Jesus with the same level of devotion that ruth had for Naomi.

It may seem paradoxical, but this is a liberating way to live life. Instead of being blown about by the winds of life, you are selecting your path. You are choosing how to make your life count. You are choosing the significance of your life. You are choosing spiritual security and adventure at the same time, with the blessing of wonderful relationships for this life and beyond.

It is my observation that everyone is following someone. After 6000 years of civilization, there are no absolutely new paths to take, just some more traveled than others. So, who are you following? Where did you get your ideas for the direction of your life? Some of us chose to be like Ruth. I think it's a good choice. I encourage you to try it, if you haven't.