"A Servant's Place"

"For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thy anointed." (Psalms 132:10)

  I truly don't expect everyone to get the message; and I understand that there are some that do not appreciate the importance of not being offended or moved by apprehension or being discouraged. There are things that happen in every aspect of life, especially in a marriage relationship and in ministry, where we might hurt over something said or not said, but this too will pass! I fell in love with both characters when I was putting that study together, but Ruth and Naomi were people with a servant's heart. Understanding Naomi's statement about retuning empty, the loss of your husband and children truly leaves a pretty big empty hole in someone's life; so I can let that statement pass, as did Ruth; who I envisioned having a second or so the ponder being invisible, but snapping back into her role of being support for someone that she loved dearly. This is a pretty interesting view of what it feels like and looks like to be ashamed or have no merit; as if there is nothing of inherent value in what you say or do. We are talking about a communication between a man and his God; what is it that we can bring to the table, or how important are we in the presence of the Creator? I truly believe that Ruth was not offended at all by Naomi's comment. She might have taken a second; maybe a double-take in Naomi's direction; but in her heart, her place was to serve her mother-in-law as if she were her own mother. I would liken it to Peter's response to Jesus, when Jesus asked, "Will ye also go away?" Peter spoke up, without hesitating, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God." (John 6:67-69) This is the point of Solomon's statement, to remain steadfast and sure, even when in doubt or in obscurity; even when made to feel offended or overwhelmed! You know, it must be hard for a spouse to keep on trying, when their mate rejects the God that they love; but the servant's place is to remain humble and true to their calling; even when it might hurt, the hurt will pass too...

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:14-16)