Amats and the Hardness of Ruth

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

In the Book of Ruth, Naomi, the Jewish mother-in-law, tries to convince her Gentile daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to leave her as she returns to her homeland, Israel. Orpah agrees, but Ruth still refuses. Finally, Naomi gave up and let Ruth come along. She saw that Ruth was amats. Amats in Hebrew means steadfast, stubborn, courageous, fortified and hardened. You say, "it's not good to be stubborn and hardened." Not quite. It's not good to be stubborn in sin and hardened to God. It's very good to be stubborn in love and hardened for righteousness. It's not enough to follow God... we must be amats in our following. Like Ruth, amats must chacterize our walk. We need to be stubborn in our faith, steadfast in our love, hardened in our commitment, fortified in our hope. Ruth was stubborn and refused to be discouraged. So Naomi gave up and let her come. And, when the enemy sees that you also are amats, he too will give up. Be steadfast in faith, unwavering in hope, and stubborn in love. Be an amats believer, and nothing on earth will keep you from all the blessings God has in store.

From Message #426 - Wherever You Dwell