Clave to Glory

Text: Ruth 1:14-15 (KJV)

And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

In our text of today, the scripture started with adversity in the family of Elimelech, where Naomi and her daughter in laws all lost their husbands, but at the end of the story, it concluded with a glorious fulfillment all because  Ruth was cleaving to her mother in law. To cleave is an attitude that turns shame and disgrace to glory. It is an act of sticking fast and strong despite the circumstances ahead. Ruth left all to follow Naomi, while her sister in law, Orpah kissed Naomi and turned, but she was persistent. To some people, their relationship with people is just a physical attachment, but to others, it is a soul-tied attachment. In our text of today, Ruth had a soul-tied attachment with Naomi, and this decision led to her glorious moment. Romans 8:35- Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? There are so many things in this world that can separate or divide us from our close relationships with people, but in the case of Ruth, she was steadfast and determined to go with Naomi despite the circumstances involved; she had her heart set. She held firm, although she had lost her husband. This story teaches us that the action of cleaving involves holding tight and firm to something despite no physical proof; it requires loyalty without wavering. This is an attitude we should all follow with God.

In the world of today, many are leaving while others are cleaving, but the question is, which one are you? We need to learn how to create a bond in our relationships, not only gain without sacrifice. Ruth said to her mother in law: Do not force me to leave you or to go back, for where you go, I will go, and where you live I will live also. Indeed, this was an example of absolute cleaving without looking back. Orpah returned to her people and the gods of her fathers, but Ruth was steadfast, she was so adamant. Romans 8:38- For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. When you get to this point, honestly, nothing can drive you away from the wedge between you and Christ. The decision is all yours. We must form the habit of cleaving to God so that we can cross those challenging moments of our lives. It may seem as if we are looking and seeing nothing, but that action of cleaving makes us stronger and stronger, because we are holding onto His promises. Let us always remember, there is still a glory ahead, but it can only be visible by revelation. At the end of Ruth’s story, we can see that she was rewarded with a good husband, who was wealthy and a son, who was in the lineage of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. And Naomi was also nourished at old age. Ruth 4:22- And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David. So, I urge you to choose and cleave right, because there is glory ahead.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.       Father, please strengthen us to hold on to You despite the obstacles we may face, in Jesus name.

2.       Father, guide us not to change our mouths or follow friends in the midst of adversity, in Jesus name.

ACTION QUOTE: Did you know that your action of cleaving today is taking you to glory tomorrow? So, do not allow distractions.