Friend

How did I not know the meaning of Ruth's name? It is so obvious. Her name means 'friend.' Dah! I only learned her name two weeks when I sat across from a "Ruth." She truly was a friend to all whom she met. Was I too distracted by all the diva drama of Naomi? You know that don't call me Naomi or pleasant drama; call me bitter or Marah. All of that drama kind of detracts from Ruth because of her pain. I bless God for friends; during a recent heated time of spiritual warfare and personal attack on my very being, some very special friends stood (you know who you are) and my sister stood with me back to back as I fought Satan.

Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:21). So what does a friend look like? A friend must be faithful. I love this statement that says a friend is who who sticks around when he would rather be somewhere else. Ruth certainly fits that description. I am sure she would rather  have been anywhere than where she was at the time sharing Naomi's pain. Ruth literally resurrects Naomi's faith. She helps her shift from hopelessness, which is so much like a tomb or grave, to the resurrection of hope in Adonai. Adonai is truly God; He is Jehovah-Jireh- the Lord our Provider.

I am in such position right now; I am being asked to stay in place that I would rather not be. I have not been told how long I have to stay. Ruth had no promises from Naomi, but only obligations. How can I be a friend? I must be transparent and vulnerable to do so. Most of us think of others as spiritual Pez dispenser. We come to people to get what we want. We do not relationship. We want service, but not mutual responsibility. Most Christians have no sense of loyalty. They have no sense of loyalty to the church, to God, and others. If the preacher does not do what the congregation wants, they are ready to cut him out.

A friend does not look at another as merely a resource. If we are just using people, that does not honor God. Jesus was in relationship with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Therefore, Mary and Martha  had expectations that Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1--12:11). Jesus resurrects Mary's and Martha's faith by resolutely declaring, "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25). Jesus met their inquiries with true emotion; he wept; he was vulnerable and transparent. He met their needs, but addressed their emotional distress with His power.


Let me ask myself: I am a true friend like Ruth or am I more like Naomi encouraging others to go back to their gods, instead of pressing my friends to find God's face

Your Transparent Friend,
MJ