As Ruth and Orpah follow Naomi, she tells them to turn back. This may seem odd at first. But, Naomi saw what they were following - they were following something physical. They saw a warm, loving family. Such families are special things. But, they are not what saves us. What saves us is faith that Jesus Christ, the promised redeemer of all mankind, took the punishment for our sins when He died on the cross, and that He rose from the dead. What saves us is receiving Him by faith, and inviting Him to make us new on the inside, so He can turn us away from our lives of sin.
Missionaries today must inform people of the same thing. Indeed, someone may be reading this in a nation where it is very dangerous to be a Christian. In such lands, for instance, it may mean their families will desert or betray them. It's relatively easy to follow Christ in a free land. It is not as easy in other lands. But, it is worth it! Oh, it is so much worth it! It means freedom from hell! It means freedom from guilt and shame! It means a personal relationship with your Creator and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, in this life, as well as in Heaven! It means certainty of salvation, regardless of how you mess up, because of that Holy Spirit that lives in you! It means a peace that passes understanding; it means the God of all comfort guides you; it means so many more wonderful things than I could ever tell! And, it's all received by simple faith!
The Holy Spirit couldn't live inside people yet, because the curse of sin hadn't been broken. However, He could be on believers. He could guide and help people. This is why Naomi says, “The Lord deal kindly with you.” She knows that if they have faith, the Lord can help them.
She adds, too, that they have dealt kindly with her, and with the deceased members of the family. This was a warm, loving family like everyone should have. They had truly cared for each other. Even if such people aren't following God, He will also keep working in their hearts, with the hopes that they will realize that salvation is not by just being good. He wants us to realize we are all sinners, in need of a Savior. Families can be wonderfully loving, but no family is perfect.
Sadly, sometimes it takes tragedy to cause people to realize their need for the Savior. Because, only by having our sins forgiven can we have that personal relationship with Jesus that will help us through those sad times.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Ruth 1:7
Naomi, of course, was still human. Once Elimelech died, she could have gone back, but she'd stayed in Moab. The first word of verse 7 - “Wherefore” - shows that it was because there was finally bread in Israel that she went back.
There are numerous reasons she may not have returned earlier. Women couldn't fend for themselves by getting jobs, etc.. Also, she may have felt it was not yet time to insist on Orpah and Ruth following her and turning to God. For all we know, her waiting on God to end the famine may have been a sign of what would later show as her bitterness toward God, and not trusting Him totally, after the loss of her husband and sons. The Bible only tells us what God, in His infinite wisdom, knows we need to know. And, He knows we don't need to know the exact reason Naomi waited till there was bread.
However, she had, at least, been waiting. She'd had faith God would help and protect her, and her family. And, she'd known God could provide bread, allowing her to return. Naomi was human, but had shown enough faith that Orpah and Ruth believed with head knowledge about Him.
The question was, would they believe with heart knowledge. Because, in those days before the Holy Spirit came to live inside believers, they would have to dedicate themselves to following God. Salvation was still by faith. But, it was faith that God, in His divine mercy, would forgive them when they failed to keep the whole law, remembering they were but dust. (Psalm 103:14) It was faith that the sacrifices made would cover those sins, till that day when the promised Messiah would wash their sins away for good. In the same way, Abraham had believed, and God counted it to him for righteousness. (Gen. 15:6)
There are numerous reasons she may not have returned earlier. Women couldn't fend for themselves by getting jobs, etc.. Also, she may have felt it was not yet time to insist on Orpah and Ruth following her and turning to God. For all we know, her waiting on God to end the famine may have been a sign of what would later show as her bitterness toward God, and not trusting Him totally, after the loss of her husband and sons. The Bible only tells us what God, in His infinite wisdom, knows we need to know. And, He knows we don't need to know the exact reason Naomi waited till there was bread.
However, she had, at least, been waiting. She'd had faith God would help and protect her, and her family. And, she'd known God could provide bread, allowing her to return. Naomi was human, but had shown enough faith that Orpah and Ruth believed with head knowledge about Him.
The question was, would they believe with heart knowledge. Because, in those days before the Holy Spirit came to live inside believers, they would have to dedicate themselves to following God. Salvation was still by faith. But, it was faith that God, in His divine mercy, would forgive them when they failed to keep the whole law, remembering they were but dust. (Psalm 103:14) It was faith that the sacrifices made would cover those sins, till that day when the promised Messiah would wash their sins away for good. In the same way, Abraham had believed, and God counted it to him for righteousness. (Gen. 15:6)
Ruth 1:6
Today, the Holy Spirit has free reign over the whole world. It's been that way since Jesus Christ died on the cross. At the moment of His death, the price was paid. Mankind had been redeemed, the curse of sin had been lifted from the Earth. The veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom (Mat. 27:51), and the Spirit of God was free to leave the Holy of Holies, because all that needed to be done had been done.
In Ruth's day, however, Israel was set apart for the purpose of showing others God's great love and power.
So it was that Naomi rose with her daughters-in-law. She would return to Israel. Her daughters-in-law followed.
This was the equivalent of today's missionaries calling people to choose to trust in Christ by faith. Missionaries today face the same type of people as Orpah and Ruth. They must walk a fine line. If they rush people into decisions, they risk losing people who need a tender, loving ear, who need someone to guide them very slowly. Some fields are so tough, it is months before one can even establish a relationship. On the other hand, they must never make the mistake of focusing only on relationships. People must trust in Christ's redemptive work on the cross to be saved. And, there are places where people are hungering, and will come quickly.
However, we never know when Christ will return for His church. Missionaries must also be mindful that He will call His church away, so they must work “while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) He will not delay for us.
In the same way, Naomi would not delay when she heard there was bread in Israel. It was time for her to leave, and any work that she’d neglected to do in reaching people never got done. The relationship had been formed. But, now it was time to make a decision. She couldn’t work any more on the hearts of her daughters-in-law. It was now or never.
Orpah and Ruth, at least, had the benefit of knowing that Naomi would leave. We will not have that advantage when Christ comes for us. We will disappear in the twinkling of an eye.
These ladies were probably thinking of the family as they rose with Naomi. They’d enjoyed the fellowship. They’d seen great benefits. They loved Naomi, and all she'd done for them.
Naomi, however, loved God even more. When word came in Moab that God had ended the famine in Israel, she was anxious to go back. Israel was where her people were. It was the place where God showed His mighty power, the people out of whom God would send the Redeemer of all mankind. She wanted to honor Him. God had been with her - and her family - in Moab. But, she had been listening. She'd been hoping that God would visit His people, and she could return. Because, she knew she belonged there.
In Ruth's day, however, Israel was set apart for the purpose of showing others God's great love and power.
So it was that Naomi rose with her daughters-in-law. She would return to Israel. Her daughters-in-law followed.
This was the equivalent of today's missionaries calling people to choose to trust in Christ by faith. Missionaries today face the same type of people as Orpah and Ruth. They must walk a fine line. If they rush people into decisions, they risk losing people who need a tender, loving ear, who need someone to guide them very slowly. Some fields are so tough, it is months before one can even establish a relationship. On the other hand, they must never make the mistake of focusing only on relationships. People must trust in Christ's redemptive work on the cross to be saved. And, there are places where people are hungering, and will come quickly.
However, we never know when Christ will return for His church. Missionaries must also be mindful that He will call His church away, so they must work “while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) He will not delay for us.
In the same way, Naomi would not delay when she heard there was bread in Israel. It was time for her to leave, and any work that she’d neglected to do in reaching people never got done. The relationship had been formed. But, now it was time to make a decision. She couldn’t work any more on the hearts of her daughters-in-law. It was now or never.
Orpah and Ruth, at least, had the benefit of knowing that Naomi would leave. We will not have that advantage when Christ comes for us. We will disappear in the twinkling of an eye.
These ladies were probably thinking of the family as they rose with Naomi. They’d enjoyed the fellowship. They’d seen great benefits. They loved Naomi, and all she'd done for them.
Naomi, however, loved God even more. When word came in Moab that God had ended the famine in Israel, she was anxious to go back. Israel was where her people were. It was the place where God showed His mighty power, the people out of whom God would send the Redeemer of all mankind. She wanted to honor Him. God had been with her - and her family - in Moab. But, she had been listening. She'd been hoping that God would visit His people, and she could return. Because, she knew she belonged there.
Ruth 1:5
If they were hanging around expecting a blessing, when “Mahlon and Chilion died also,” they had to decide if they wanted to put their faith in the Creator of the Universe to one day redeem their souls. Or if they wanted to keep trusting in material benefits on Earth.
Even really strong, faithful people aren't always blessed with things on Earth. We must always remember that blessings are never related to one's devotion to God. They weren’t even always related in Old Testament times. Hannah, for instance, had incredible faith, and feared God (that is, held Him in awe and reverence in obeying Him). Yet, she was constantly burdened by her lack of children, till her prayers were answered and she gave birth to Samuel. Job, likewise, had plenty, but then it was all taken away.
The beauty of a real relationship with Christ is, He can get us through tough times with incredible peace and comfort when we turn to Him. It's just like Orpah and Ruth could trust in God’s promise and His pledge of a Redeemer, if they chose. Anyone can enjoy the fruits of their faith when times are good. It's when times are tough that they must decide where their faith is.
This is the incredible danger of “health and wealth” preachers. The only riches we are promised as Christians are eternal ones. Jesus Christ has a different plan for each of us. People must be won to Him becuase they want their sins forgiven, so they can be redeemed from Hell. People can't truly be won to Him if all they are looking for is material gain.
The fact Elimelech and Naomi only had two sons before they left Israel doesn't tell us much, as noted. Orpah and Ruth's lack of children may have been the hand of God, withholding children as a test of their faith, or preventing children being born to these men unequally yoked. But, we aren't told this, so we can only guess.
The only thing certain is this: When their husbands died - both of them, the Bible says, emphasizing the loss - Naomi was left alone. She'd lost her husband and sons. And, the faith of these ladies was sorely tested – including Naomi’s.
Missionaries face enormous tests of faith on the mission field. So do those who remain behind to support them. Each of us has a duty to react in a way that will draw people toward God. We are often the only example of Jesus Christ they'll ever see. We are the ones who will help them decide whether to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior or not.
Even really strong, faithful people aren't always blessed with things on Earth. We must always remember that blessings are never related to one's devotion to God. They weren’t even always related in Old Testament times. Hannah, for instance, had incredible faith, and feared God (that is, held Him in awe and reverence in obeying Him). Yet, she was constantly burdened by her lack of children, till her prayers were answered and she gave birth to Samuel. Job, likewise, had plenty, but then it was all taken away.
The beauty of a real relationship with Christ is, He can get us through tough times with incredible peace and comfort when we turn to Him. It's just like Orpah and Ruth could trust in God’s promise and His pledge of a Redeemer, if they chose. Anyone can enjoy the fruits of their faith when times are good. It's when times are tough that they must decide where their faith is.
This is the incredible danger of “health and wealth” preachers. The only riches we are promised as Christians are eternal ones. Jesus Christ has a different plan for each of us. People must be won to Him becuase they want their sins forgiven, so they can be redeemed from Hell. People can't truly be won to Him if all they are looking for is material gain.
The fact Elimelech and Naomi only had two sons before they left Israel doesn't tell us much, as noted. Orpah and Ruth's lack of children may have been the hand of God, withholding children as a test of their faith, or preventing children being born to these men unequally yoked. But, we aren't told this, so we can only guess.
The only thing certain is this: When their husbands died - both of them, the Bible says, emphasizing the loss - Naomi was left alone. She'd lost her husband and sons. And, the faith of these ladies was sorely tested – including Naomi’s.
Missionaries face enormous tests of faith on the mission field. So do those who remain behind to support them. Each of us has a duty to react in a way that will draw people toward God. We are often the only example of Jesus Christ they'll ever see. We are the ones who will help them decide whether to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior or not.
Ruth 1:4
The burden on Naomi showed in the actions reported here, too. Naomi's sons took Moabite wives. As noted before, this was forbidden because God didn't want His chosen people to be unequally yoked with idol worshippers. It would have been one thing if the women they loved had become proselytes. But, they would have had to choose to become wholly Jewish, then.
The wives of Mahlon and Chilion were Orpah and Ruth. They are not only real people; they are also great patterns for the types of people missionaries encounter. And, these men - and their Moabite families - can teach us something about missions, and the struggles of missionaries.
There was at least one really good witness in the family. This person or persons showed Orpah, Ruth, and others what it meant to obey God's commandments, seek His forgiveness and mercy, and honor the Lord, even when far away from Israel. We don't know whether Elimelech and his family reached anyone else concerning God's awesomeness. But, we know Orpah and Ruth were interested enough that they got close to Mahlon and Chilion.
We don't know how Mahlon and Chilion met Orpah and Ruth. We do, however, know that the family had to interact with Moabites every day. They would have met people who were indifferent, some who were hostile, and some who were curious. Their job, living in Moab, was to demonstrate God's great provision, and tell strangers of God's mighty power and goodness. Solomon would later state - in his prayer dedicating the temple - that strangers would hear of God's mighty works. (1 Kings 8:41-43) Israelites entering a stranger's land, providentially, gave pagans one way to hear, even if it wasn't the best way.
When the Bible relates that “they dwelled there about ten years,” some ask, is it ten years from the marriages? Or ten years total? Probably the latter. Most of Naomi's friends are alive and know her when she returns. Naomi's comments later in this chapter imply Ruth and Orpah are still young enough to marry, which would be easier, in those days, if they had only been married a few years, not ten. Finally, while not all natural disasters or deaths are the result of God's discipline, their deaths could have been a result of disobeying the Lord. However, the Bible usually states when a death is the result of God's chastening, and it doesn’t here.
So, Orpah and Ruth became the wives of Mahlon and Chilion. The question was, were these women there for the love God had for His people? Or, just for the love and companionship their husbands and Naomi showed? It was a question God would make them consider. It's just like people today must consider whether they really want to follow Christ, or whether, like people after the loaves and fishes miracle, they're just there for the benefits. It’s a question we must all consider, because we never know when the Lord will return.
The wives of Mahlon and Chilion were Orpah and Ruth. They are not only real people; they are also great patterns for the types of people missionaries encounter. And, these men - and their Moabite families - can teach us something about missions, and the struggles of missionaries.
There was at least one really good witness in the family. This person or persons showed Orpah, Ruth, and others what it meant to obey God's commandments, seek His forgiveness and mercy, and honor the Lord, even when far away from Israel. We don't know whether Elimelech and his family reached anyone else concerning God's awesomeness. But, we know Orpah and Ruth were interested enough that they got close to Mahlon and Chilion.
We don't know how Mahlon and Chilion met Orpah and Ruth. We do, however, know that the family had to interact with Moabites every day. They would have met people who were indifferent, some who were hostile, and some who were curious. Their job, living in Moab, was to demonstrate God's great provision, and tell strangers of God's mighty power and goodness. Solomon would later state - in his prayer dedicating the temple - that strangers would hear of God's mighty works. (1 Kings 8:41-43) Israelites entering a stranger's land, providentially, gave pagans one way to hear, even if it wasn't the best way.
When the Bible relates that “they dwelled there about ten years,” some ask, is it ten years from the marriages? Or ten years total? Probably the latter. Most of Naomi's friends are alive and know her when she returns. Naomi's comments later in this chapter imply Ruth and Orpah are still young enough to marry, which would be easier, in those days, if they had only been married a few years, not ten. Finally, while not all natural disasters or deaths are the result of God's discipline, their deaths could have been a result of disobeying the Lord. However, the Bible usually states when a death is the result of God's chastening, and it doesn’t here.
So, Orpah and Ruth became the wives of Mahlon and Chilion. The question was, were these women there for the love God had for His people? Or, just for the love and companionship their husbands and Naomi showed? It was a question God would make them consider. It's just like people today must consider whether they really want to follow Christ, or whether, like people after the loaves and fishes miracle, they're just there for the benefits. It’s a question we must all consider, because we never know when the Lord will return.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Ruth 1:3
Next, Elimelech died. This left Naomi alone with her two sons. This was long before women had any power, jobs, or anything to live on. We're not told when Elimelech died, but there are some interesting things to notice here.
First, while we can't plan for everything, Elimelech's moving his family into a pagan land could have proved disastrous, becuase of the possibility of his death. Naomi had to be incredibly strong-willed as far as leading the family. And yet, at the same time, she had to be entirely submissive to God's will. If she lacked one or the other, her sons could easily go astray. There are very courageous females in the Bible, of course; Esther, the Shunemite woman (2 Kings 4), and Deborah, to name a few. But, the possiblity of Elimelech's death so far from home was one that should have been considered. And, to give proper credit, considering the outcome, perhaps it was.
Still, she was left. And, even if they prepared their family perfectly, it would be very hard for Naomi. Because, she was not just left alone; she was left with her two sons. Misery does love company, but being a widow with two sons forced her to take responsibility as the spiritual leader, too, depending ont heir ages. And, even if they were old enough to get jobs and care for their mother, it was still a burden. A burden that would show itself once she returned to Israel.
As for now, she tried to keep a brave face, not only for the sake of her sons, Mahlon and Chilion, but for the sake of the people around them. Whether she confided her sadness and bitterness to her sons, as she would later do upon her return to Israel, is unknown. However, the way we deal with tragedy will often help show the outside world whether God is real. They will accept we have struggles, just like the rest of the world. But, they will also expect to see some evidence that our faith is different.
First, while we can't plan for everything, Elimelech's moving his family into a pagan land could have proved disastrous, becuase of the possibility of his death. Naomi had to be incredibly strong-willed as far as leading the family. And yet, at the same time, she had to be entirely submissive to God's will. If she lacked one or the other, her sons could easily go astray. There are very courageous females in the Bible, of course; Esther, the Shunemite woman (2 Kings 4), and Deborah, to name a few. But, the possiblity of Elimelech's death so far from home was one that should have been considered. And, to give proper credit, considering the outcome, perhaps it was.
Still, she was left. And, even if they prepared their family perfectly, it would be very hard for Naomi. Because, she was not just left alone; she was left with her two sons. Misery does love company, but being a widow with two sons forced her to take responsibility as the spiritual leader, too, depending ont heir ages. And, even if they were old enough to get jobs and care for their mother, it was still a burden. A burden that would show itself once she returned to Israel.
As for now, she tried to keep a brave face, not only for the sake of her sons, Mahlon and Chilion, but for the sake of the people around them. Whether she confided her sadness and bitterness to her sons, as she would later do upon her return to Israel, is unknown. However, the way we deal with tragedy will often help show the outside world whether God is real. They will accept we have struggles, just like the rest of the world. But, they will also expect to see some evidence that our faith is different.
Ruth 1:2
This family can truly be called a family of missionaries. Yes, missionaries should follow God's call. However, God knows each person's heart and mind. He called Jonah to reach Nineveh, but also knew that Jonah would run. He may have chosen Jonah because his running away toward Tarshish would be the only way to bring a boat filled with peple, from many different backgrounds, to worship Him. (Jon. 1:16) In the same way, He used Elimelech on his team because he knew there was a women out there who would choose to Him, if she only knew of His love.
Our missionaries aren't perfect. Some will even leave, or grow discouraged, because they can't seem to bear any fruit. But, Elimelech, like Jonah, was used in a mighty way, even if that way only ends up reaching one peson with the Gospel. That one person is still an important person, for whom Jesus Christ came to this world and shed His perfect blood to save from their sin. Yes, it can be hard for a missionary to think of spending all that time and energy to win one soul. But, thankfully, there are usually more than that. It can still take a long time, though. Adoniram Judson spent years in Burma before winning his first convert, but he is known today as the father of Burmese Christianity.
This verse ends, then, with Elimielech and his family continuing in Moab. They weren't there as travelers; they meant to live there, at least as long as the famine continued. They just had to avoid getting so caught up int he culture that they forgot to honor and serve God.
Our missionaries aren't perfect. Some will even leave, or grow discouraged, because they can't seem to bear any fruit. But, Elimelech, like Jonah, was used in a mighty way, even if that way only ends up reaching one peson with the Gospel. That one person is still an important person, for whom Jesus Christ came to this world and shed His perfect blood to save from their sin. Yes, it can be hard for a missionary to think of spending all that time and energy to win one soul. But, thankfully, there are usually more than that. It can still take a long time, though. Adoniram Judson spent years in Burma before winning his first convert, but he is known today as the father of Burmese Christianity.
This verse ends, then, with Elimielech and his family continuing in Moab. They weren't there as travelers; they meant to live there, at least as long as the famine continued. They just had to avoid getting so caught up int he culture that they forgot to honor and serve God.
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