Holy Determination

I read the first chapter of Ruth this morning.  I've read her story many times, but it struck me differently today; perhaps because I am looking for people who do radical things.

Ruth was radical.  She was determined to cling to Naomi at her own personal sacrifice, at her own peril, and probably against her better judgement.  She saw in Naomi a worthy cause, and she didn't care what other people would think.  Her determination silenced Naomi's protests.

The story is scary to me.  It makes me ask some hard questions about safety, security, sanity, and sacrifice.  It makes me evaluate what I cling to...my cozy home, my family, my comfortable faith.  Honestly, who or what is my Naomi?  The right answer is Christ, but do my choices reflect that?

Ten of us gathered recently to explore this idea.  There was a spirit of holy determination to better live out this faith we profess, to give it teeth and nails.  But mingling with determination was fear and doubt about how successful we will really be in leaving our holy huddle and entering the wilderness.

Just as Naomi tried to dissuade Ruth from leaving her safe home, Jesus tried to talk his disciples out of following him by pointing out all they would be sacrificing: comforts, relationships, respect.  Will we take his warnings and say, "Um, alrighty then, I think I'll stay put here on my soft couch and thank you kindly for my salvation."  Or will we take the challenge?  

I have no plan.  I am, instead, trying to be fertile ground, asking God to plant seeds that will take root, change the landscape, prevent erosion, and bear fruit.  I'm praying the fruit will be unrecognizable to me; completely new and wonderful, sticky and dripping with the glory of God.