Bible Reading: I Kings 16, 17, 18; Luke 22:49-71
“Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, an thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me.” – Ruth 1:16-17 (KJV)
In a Marathon, it is not everyone who starts it that always make it to the end of the race, some will persevere for some time while others will push it through to the end and thus receive the designated reward for the winner. The life we live is a race, especially the Christian journey. Once you have broken tie with the old life, you are recruited and enlisted on a journey full of so many hurdles to cross.
However, the call which Christ gave to His disciples was to follow Him. Just as He gave them in those days, the condition remains the same even now. While the condition remains the same, there are many who are always thinking that following Jesus Christ is not without serious cost, No! The early apostles understood that cost is attached to following the Master and they paid the price even when Christ was arrested; Peter still followed him, he was willing to know what would become of the Master. Ruth, whose life we are looking at today also determined to follow Naomi regardless of what it would cost her.
Folks, what price have you paid since you declared your stand for Jesus Christ? Or do you think it is not necessary? I challenge you to take a bold step to follow Him and be ready to pay the price no matter the cost. This is the only decision that can pay off in the long run.
Prayer: Everlasting Father, bestow on me the grace to follow Christ no matter the cost.
Rev. Julius Oluwole