As Ruth Clung to Naomi?--Feb. 25, 2019

[From Feb. 21, 2011 archive; adapted from my Feb. 19, 2001 journal]

As Ruth clung to Naomi, I would cling to you, O God.

Let me turn to you in my heart and hear what you speak.

But do I know what I am asking?

For Paul learned to rely on you when sentenced to death,

and Jesus blessed those persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

Perhaps when we cling to you, the peace you would speak

to your faithful is costlier than we want to think?

Lectionary Readings 

Ps. 57; 145; 85; 47

Ruth 1:1-14

2 Cor. 1:1-11

Matt. 5:1-12

Selected Verses 

Ps. 85:8

Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
            for he will speak peace to his people,
            to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Ruth 1:14

Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

2 Cor. 1:9

Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death so that we would rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.

Matt. 5:10

“…Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. …”  [Jesus to the crowds]