RUTH

RUTH
In the book of Ruth is a striking contrast of two ways we can relate
to the Lord.
We are all familiar with the two daughters-in-law who started out with
Naomi on her journey back to the land of Judah.
One, Orpah, was following her mother-in-law out of respect.
She is to be commended for her respect. We SHOULD have respect for our
in-laws. We should also have respect for The Lord and the House of
Worship. We should be reverent and respectful of His House. We should
have respect for His Ways-- the ways of good and righteousness.
But RESPECT might not be enough to see us through some of the tough
decisions that we are apt to be faced with.
When Orpah faced a critical decision, she opted to return to her own
people and her old way of life. The way of life in Moab was different
than what the Israelites held to. She had tasted the good life. She
had learned some of the history of Israel-- of God's deliverance from
Egypt-- of His Laws to them-- His provision for them.
RESPECT failed her in the crucial hour of decision. She gave Naomi
a kiss of love, and returned to her former life.
RUTH, on the other hand, was following Naomi out of love. Not only
love for Naomi, but, as shown by her testimony, a COMMITMENT TO THE
GOD OF ISRAEL. Listen-- Can't you hear her as she tells Naomi:
Ruth 1:16-17 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: Where THOU diest, will I die, and there will I be buried:
the LORD do so to me, and more also, [if ought] but death part THEE and ME.
LOVE LEADS TO A COMMITMENT which will anchor our souls in God for
Time and Eternity. Live or die, sink or swim, hail or high water,
better or worse.
WE NEED TO BE COMMITTED TO GOD BECAUSE OF LOVE.