Ruth 1: True Devotion

"But Ruth replied:

Do not persuade me to leave you or go back and not follow you.  For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God."

Ruth 1:16

The truly remarkable thing about Ruth's devotion to her mother-in-law here is that Ruth was not an Israelite.  She was from Moab - a country to the West of Israel, which was constantly at odds with the Israelites.  Yet even so, Ruth has the commitment and devotion to stay with her mother-in-law, even after all the men in the family (including Ruth's husband) have passed away.  So she returns to Bethlehem with Naomi (who then refers to herself as Mara) and seeks to become a member of the Lord's family.

Question of the Day:

Were you aware of the fact that even the Old Testament gives detailed instances of conversion to the faith?  So many believe that outsiders weren't allowed to become Jews, and that God only opened His arms to non-Israelites after the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Is that true?  I've never read Ruth all the way through, but I think I'm familiar enough with the story to know that God does look favorably on outsiders who come to Him with true devotion.  This isn't a new trait, but rather a trait He's always had.

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, help me to come before You and join Your family with the same devotion that Your servant Ruth had.  Amen.