Devotional Three: Ruth and Naomi

But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”  –Ruth 1:16-17 

Dear Toad,   Today when you told me that you were sad because you had never received a letter, it made me sad too. I suppose that is how it is with you and me. I am writing this letter, hoping that it will make you feel happy, knowing all along that unless you are happy, I cannot be.   Your Friend, Frog   –A Year with Frog and Toad 

The story of Ruth is one of the most beautiful examples of faithfulness in the Bible. After Naomi loses her husband and sons, she leaves to return to her homeland of Israel, and while she has no one to accompany her, Naomi implores her daughters-in-law to return to their families. One of her daughters-in-law agrees, but Ruth chooses to go with Naomi and care for her mother-in-law. Surrendering her own choices and willingly leaving her homeland and family, Ruth demonstrates the great gift of friendship and loyalty to Naomi despite the uncertainty of a future in Israel. Ruth displays a covenant love toward Naomi, and through trying circumstances, Ruth becomes part of the lineage of King David and eventually Jesus Christ Himself. 

In A Year with Frog and Toad, the gift of loyalty is displayed repeatedly by Frog towards Toad. For example, during the second act of the production, Frog encourages Toad to join him on a sledding adventure down a snowy hill. Toad takes the risk and joins Frog. Unfortunately, after going over a bump, Frog falls off the sled leaving Toad all alone. Toad takes offense at Frog putting his life at risk, and Toad storms off promising never to speak to Frog again. While allowing his friend to feel his feelings, Frog does not abandon his friend, but rather, Frog patiently waits for Toad to recognize yet again the value of their friendship. Toad sheepishly asks for forgiveness from Frog by inviting him over for a bowl of soup, and Frog graciously shows loyalty to his friend and accepts Toad’s offer. 

Although Frog and Ruth are both excellent examples of friendship and loyalty, the greatest example of all is that of Jesus. He gave His life for us even before we acknowledged our need for Him: “…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Waiting patiently for us, Jesus eagerly pursues us even before we recognize our need for Him. Praise the Lord for the great example of Jesus who is forever loyal and loving to us His children!