GOING THE EXTRA MILE WITH GOD
This morning, I invite you to turn your attention to the Book of Ruth, specifically Chapter 1, verses 14 to 18. In this poignant passage, we witness a profound moment of emotional farewell as Orpah bids her mother-in-law goodbye with a kiss, while Ruth resolutely clings to Naomi. Naomi urges Ruth to follow her sister-in-law back to her homeland and her gods, but Ruth responds with a heartfelt declaration of loyalty. She implores Naomi not to persuade her to leave, affirming that she will accompany her wherever she goes, sharing in her life and faith. Ruth’s commitment is encapsulated in her vow that Naomi’s people will be her people and Naomi’s God will be her God, culminating in a solemn promise that only death will separate them. Naomi, recognizing Ruth’s unwavering determination, ceases her attempts to dissuade her.
Before delving deeper into this narrative, it is essential to provide some context for those who may be unfamiliar with the themes we have been exploring this month. Our discussions have centered around the concept of God’s love languages, emphasizing the importance of expressing love to God in ways that resonate with Him. We have examined various forms of love, from words of affirmation to acts of service, and drawn parallels to how God desires to be loved in return. For instance, King David exemplified this through his prolific writing of the Psalms, which serve as heartfelt expressions of love and affirmation towards God. As we continue to reflect on these themes, let us remain attentive to the ways in which we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God, honoring Him through our expressions of love and devotion.
David exemplified a profound relationship with God, earning the description of a man after God’s own heart. This designation stems from his ability to communicate with God in a manner that resonated deeply with the divine. It is essential to recognize that God possesses various love languages, and one of the most significant is the language of trust. In a recent discussion, I emphasized that God desires us to engage with Him through trust, using the example of Noah. Noah’s unwavering faith in God was evident when he was instructed to build an Ark in anticipation of rain, despite the fact that rain had never fallen on the earth. The biblical narrative indicates that God had previously nourished the earth through underground springs, making Noah’s task even more remarkable. His commitment to constructing the Ark over a span of 120 years, without any prior experience of rain, serves as a powerful testament to his trust in God, which God greatly values.
Furthermore, it is crucial to understand that God derives immense joy from our dedication to Him through acts of service. This concept aligns with one of the five love languages identified by Gary Chapman, which is Acts of Service. However, God’s perspective extends beyond mere acts; He seeks a life characterized by service and commitment. Many believers often equate their faith with tangible outcomes, such as securing a home or a partner, believing that their faith is validated through these miracles. Yet, God’s true delight lies not solely in the fulfillment of needs but in the enduring trust that His followers place in Him. He yearns to find faith in those who continue to believe in Him, regardless of their circumstances. This unwavering trust and commitment to a life of service are what truly resonate with God, reflecting a deep and abiding love that transcends mere requests for miracles.
The Old Testament is often viewed as a precursor to future events, illustrating God’s desire for a relationship with humanity. This theme is poignantly exemplified in the narrative of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. To provide context, the story unfolds in the Book of Ruth, specifically in Chapter 1. Naomi, married to Elimelech, was originally from Bethlehem in Judah, a region that faced a severe famine. In a moment of desperation, they made the fateful decision to leave their homeland, possibly stepping outside of God’s intended plan for them. Their journey led them to Moab, where tragedy struck as Elimelech passed away, followed by the deaths of their two sons, Chilion and Mahlon. Before their untimely deaths, the sons had married Ruth and Orpah, leaving Naomi with only her daughters-in-law as companions.
Faced with the loss of her family and hearing news of renewed prosperity in Bethlehem, Naomi resolved to return to her homeland. She urged her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab, suggesting that they would have better prospects there. Orpah chose to heed Naomi’s advice and departed, but Ruth demonstrated unwavering loyalty, declaring her intention to accompany Naomi. She famously proclaimed, “Where you go, I will go; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” This pivotal moment highlights Ruth’s recognition of the true God that Naomi served, contrasting with Orpah’s return to her former life. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi signifies a profound understanding of faith and devotion, illustrating the depth of their relationship and the transformative power of divine guidance in their lives.
This morning, I would like to share insights on a theme I have chosen to call “Going the Extra Mile with God.” The profound love that God experiences is magnified when we demonstrate our willingness to go beyond the ordinary in our relationship with Him. This concept is beautifully illustrated through the story of Ruth, who declared her unwavering commitment by stating, “Your God shall be my God; where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried.” Ruth’s determination to remain with Naomi exemplifies a deep-seated loyalty and devotion, akin to the sentiments expressed by Paul in Romans chapter 8, where he asserts that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This passage serves as a reminder that our commitment to God can reach a level where we are prepared to sacrifice our own desires for the sake of His kingdom and the well-being of others, thereby reflecting a profound love for Him.
Furthermore, the narrative continues with Ruth’s proactive approach to service, as she seeks permission from Naomi to glean in the fields, hoping to find favor in the eyes of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband. This act of diligence and willingness to work in the fields not only highlights Ruth’s character but also underscores the importance of service in our spiritual journey. It is through such acts of service that we can encounter divine opportunities and blessings. As we reflect on this message, it is essential to recognize that God is actively seeking individuals who are ready to serve Him wholeheartedly. Last December, as we transitioned into a new year, God revealed to us that this year would be marked by divine visitation, emphasizing the significance of our readiness to engage in service and the transformative encounters that await us.
In January, during a prayer and fasting program, I felt a profound prompting in my heart regarding the significance of divine visitation and its capacity to lead to transformative encounters. We engaged in fervent prayers focused on these divine encounters, drawing upon various biblical examples to illustrate the profound impact of God’s presence. It became clear that divine visitation is not merely a casual interaction; rather, it is an event that brings about significant change and renewal. As I prepared to deliver this message, the Holy Spirit continually impressed upon me the importance of conveying to my congregation that one of the most effective pathways to experiencing divine encounters in 2012 is through a life dedicated to service.
The story of Ruth serves as a poignant illustration of this principle. Ruth’s unwavering commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, exemplifies a life of service that ultimately leads to divine favor.
Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Ruth recognized Naomi’s despair and took it upon herself to ensure their survival, despite the challenges they faced as a duo. Naomi, feeling defeated and empty, expressed her bitterness, yet Ruth’s spirit of encouragement shone through as she resolved to glean in the fields to provide for them both. Unbeknownst to Ruth, her efforts led her to the field of Boaz, a man of honor and means, who was not only capable of providing for her but also qualified to become her husband. This narrative underscores the extraordinary possibilities that can arise when one dedicates their life to serving others, revealing that unexpected blessings often accompany a commitment to divine service.
It is my sincere hope that there are still individuals who resonate with my message today, as we explore the theme of unexpected encounters and divine moments that arise when one dedicates their life to the service of God.
This morning, I present a thought-provoking challenge: would you prefer to live a life that seeks personal gratification, or one that aims to honor and please God? This is a significant inquiry that demands your reflection. Will you choose to pursue your own desires, or will you strive to bring joy to God through your actions? The essence of this question is crucial, particularly in a bustling environment like Lagos, where the pursuit of personal pleasure can often overshadow spiritual commitments.
Consider the goals you have set for yourself this year; they may include aspirations such as acquiring a new car or purchasing a home in a desirable neighborhood, perhaps one where your peers reside. While there is nothing inherently wrong with these ambitions, it is essential to recognize that a life solely focused on self-indulgence is not what God desires. Scripture reminds us that we were created for His pleasure, and it is vital to balance our personal aspirations with a commitment to fulfilling God’s will. As we navigate through the upcoming week, I urge you to evaluate how much of your time and energy will be devoted to pleasing God versus seeking your own satisfaction. Reflect on how you can create space in your life for God, as this is one of the most profound ways to honor Him and invite His presence into your daily experiences.
Many individuals pursue pleasure to such an extent that they may spend entire nights in clubs seeking it. This raises the question of life’s true purpose. Consider asking your neighbor this morning what motivates them. It has been suggested that what motivates you ultimately shapes your pursuits. Are you motivated by pleasure, achievement, or other factors that may distract you from what should genuinely inspire you? The Bible advises to prioritize the kingdom of God and His righteousness, promising that all other needs will be fulfilled. Essentially, this guidance emphasizes the importance of being driven by spiritual values.