...Your God Will Be My God~

Greetings:)




Late last year I added a new title to my other ones of wife, mom, sister, friend, Auntie...MOTHER-IN-LAW!!!



We poor mothers-in-law get such a bad rap, but I assure you that some of us are precious. And since we are talking about relationships, it is important to take a moment to examine the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law dynamic.



Going back to Ruth, we learn right at the beginning of the book that her husband and her father-in-law--Naomi's husband--have both died, and that there is a famine in the land. Ruth, who was from Moab, a land known for idol worship, had every right to return to her own family, but she tells Naomi in 1:16-17, "Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!"



The first time I recall hearing that scripture was at a wedding, and it is a beautiful passage for newlyweds. But I was kind of shocked to learn that it was said by a daughter-in-law to her mother-in-law.



It is possible, dear ones, to have deep love and respect for your in-laws. Not only is it possible, but it is recommended. (More on that later). The point is that we in-laws--present and future--have a unique opportunity to conduct ourselves in such a way that our childrens' siginificant others will show steadfast devotion to us.



What on earth did Naomi do that Ruth was so determined to follow after her? To forget the idols of her homeland for the true God of Israel? The answer might surprise you.



PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Your Word shows us that love is far reaching and should positively impact all of our relationships. It is nice to know that deep devotion can exist among in-laws. If there are any rifts right now in our ranks between in-laws, bring healing and peace. In Jesus' name, AMEN~