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
  1. These words of Ruth to her mother-in-law have become immortal:
    1. They are read and repeated in many languages among diverse creeds
    2. They reveal depth of character to be admired by all self-respecting men
  2. Ruth the Moabites is one of the outstanding women of the Bible:
    1. She possessed high ideals
    2. And she had a resolute mind for the right that could not be changed by her mother-in-law
B. LET US CONSIDER PRAYERFULLY
  1. Her historic background:
    1. The context of the first chapter of the book of Ruth indicates that she was brought up in idolatry - Ruth 1:15
    2. However, Ruth became a believer in the faith of her mother-in-law; she accepted the God of Israel - Ruth 1:16
    3. This is to the good of Naomi and her faithfulness to the faith of Israel
  2. The special implication of Ruth's words in our opening text:
    1. Her mind was made up and no amount of persuasion by Naomi changed Ruth's resolve
    2. 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
    3. She had complete confidence in the faith and fellowship of her mother-in-law
    4. 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
  1. Through marriage to Boaz:
    1. 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
    2. Also, she became the ancestor of Jesus Christ the Son of man - Luke 4
  2. Her immortal decision was honored by God:
    1. By naming one of the sixty-six books of the Holy Bible - the Book of Ruth
    2. This honor was granted to one other woman - Queen Esther
    3. All this means that God honors them that honor him; and Ruth was foremost in this virtue
  3. Special lesson from the life and influence of godly people:
    1. 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
    2. Too, Naomi made a favorable impression upon Ruth about Israel - that, too, is important
    3. 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
  4. Thus we learn these beautiful truths from the story of Ruth - the Moabites:
    1. A heathen background does not mean that such a person cannot change- Ruth did
    2. 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
    3. 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
    4. 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
    5. Let us imitate Ruth and demonstrate to the world that come what may we shall be loyal to God and his cause


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