RUTH
A. "AND RUTH SAID, 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,
AND THY GOD MY GOD" - RUTH 1:16
- These words of Ruth to her mother-in-law have become immortal:
- They are read and repeated in many languages among diverse creeds
- They reveal depth of character to be admired by all self-respecting men
- Ruth the Moabites is one of the outstanding women of the Bible:
- She possessed high ideals
- And she had a resolute mind for the right that could not be changed by her mother-in-law
B. LET US CONSIDER PRAYERFULLY
- Her historic background:
- The context of the first chapter of the book of Ruth indicates that she was brought up in idolatry - Ruth 1:15
- However, Ruth became a believer in the faith of her mother-in-law; she accepted the God of Israel - Ruth 1:16
- This is to the good of Naomi and her faithfulness to the faith of Israel
- The special implication of Ruth's words in our opening text:
- Her mind was made up and no amount of persuasion by Naomi changed Ruth's resolve
- that is a noble trait of character, worthy by all God's children to imitate; Examples: Said Paul to the weeping disciples, "I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" - Acts 21:13; Queen Esther was of the same resolve in the darkest hour of Jewry - Esther 4:16
- She had complete confidence in the faith and fellowship of her mother-in-law
- Also Naomi made such a favorable impression upon Ruth about Israel that Ruth said, "Thy people shall be my people"
C. RUTH'S IMMORTAL REWARD FOR HER FAITHFUL DECISION
- Through marriage to Boaz:
- She became a member of the royal house of Israel, an ancestor of Jesus and King David - compare Ruth 4:17 with Matt. 1:5-6
- Also, she became the ancestor of Jesus Christ the Son of man - Luke 4
- Her immortal decision was honored by God:
- By naming one of the sixty-six books of the Holy Bible - the Book of Ruth
- This honor was granted to one other woman - Queen Esther
- All this means that God honors them that honor him; and Ruth was foremost in this virtue
- Special lesson from the life and influence of godly people:
- Ruth might never have made that firm decision to become one of Israel to serve the living God had it not been for the good influence of Naomi
- Too, Naomi made a favorable impression upon Ruth about Israel - that, too, is important
- Most important was Naomi's witness for the God of Israel, "Thy God shall be my God"; here is a real challenge to us as parents and professed Christians; how favorable an impression do we give the world of the God we serve
- Thus we learn these beautiful truths from the story of Ruth - the Moabites:
- A heathen background does not mean that such a person cannot change- Ruth did
- The quiet, consistent life in the home cannot be and should never be underestimated; It is a potent power to be recondite with - I Pet. 2:9-11; Matt. 5:13-17
- God will ever honor a firm resolve for the truth - Matt. 24:12-13; Examples: Joseph was honored because of his form resolve - Gen. 39:9; Moses was - Heb. 11:24- 28
- Best of all, what God did for and through Ruth - He can and will do for anyone of us; He is not a respecter of persons - Acts 10:34-35
- Let us imitate Ruth and demonstrate to the world that come what may we shall be loyal to God and his cause