L.E.A.P

Live, means to conduct oneself in a manner of consistency. When you live a certain way, it becomes apparent by onlookers what kind of lifestyle one leads. Ruth was not from the land of Israel, but she strove to be a worshipper of The Most High. When something unfolds, it is easy to look back retrospectively and decipher why things happened the way they did. A family moves away to another land, practically everyone dies and then one woman from another place comes back to the land. One would ask the question, why? It is clear to see however that Ruth was trying to live a life for God.

Throughout the first few chapters in the book of Ruth we become aware of Ruth’s relation and faith in Almighty God (Ruth 1:6, 14, 16, 17). This relationships is also in contrast to that of her sister in law Orpah (Ruth 1:15). By chapter two, Boaz testifies of the fact that he knew all the good work she had done for her mother in law, how she left mother, father and land (verse 11). Boaz also highlighted that her devotion to God was now very visible, it was becoming clear that her lifestyle portrayed someone who loved God (verse 12). This is what it means to live for God, living a lifestyle which reflects his splendour.

Example is something all believers should be. Ruth must have come to know God by someone’s example. Due to the fact her husband and other male members of the family had died, I believe it must have been Naomi’s example. The Bible talks about women drawing there husbands to God, Peter stated that “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” Added emphasis is mine, it does lead me to believe (although this specifically refers to married women) that Naomi’s example was what showed Ruth the ways of God. Ruth learned how to be a mother from Naomi, as well as a women of faith. Be an example.

Answer the question posed to you, at any given time of the day. Peter wrote “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Phillip was ready to preach Jesus, and was ready to expound upon the scriptures of the Old Testament. When the question arose “Of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?” No script, no plan, just what he knew from his experience and life. You must always be ready to answer the question. So answer it, whether by actions or by word.

Protect what has been given to you, to the end of your days. God gave us what is known as the full armour of God. We are soldiers in a battle and every soldier needs his protection. God gives us the best weaponry and artillery to defeat the enemies. From Ephesians 6:13 onwards we can read of the various components which make up God’s armour. Protect the great gift of God.

LEAP for Christ