“And she said, behold thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister-in-law.” (Ruth 1:5 KJV)
Greetings in His grace and peace:
The little book of Ruth is a powerful insertion into the Holy Bible. It is a short story about two women who not only survived but thrived during hardships, trials and trauma.
In verses 1 -5 Naomi has lost her husband and both sons. She decides to return home from Moab
Naomi was concerned for their welfare. Several times she advised them to consider returning to their families where they could very likely find husbands and be blessed with children. She wanted them to also consider the gods they had worshipped before marrying her sons. In her depressed state, Naomi even states “go your way…the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” (verses 12 & 13).
Naomi obviously had a great relationship with both daughters-in-law as evidenced by the tears shed as Orpah reluctantly decided to go back.
Next, we are treated to the glorious results of the experienced Godly woman disciplining the younger in faith.
“..but Ruth clave unto her (Naomi).” ( v.14).
In verse 15, after being exhorted another time to return with her sister-in-law to Moab and the life of her own people and their gods, Ruth made one of the most perfect and complete surrenders and consecration to God ever known in the following two verses.
Ruth expressed her seven-fold earnest, eternal consecration to follow the God of Israel
1). Her plea not to be hinderd: Intreat me not to leave you or to return from following
after you.
2). Where you go, I will go.
3). Where you settle, I will settle.
4). Your people shall be my people.
5). Your God shall be my God.
6). Where you die, I will die, and
there will I be buried.
7). Jehovah do so to me, and more also, if anything but death separate us.
"When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking to her. (verse 18)
As the story continues in the remaining 3 chapters we discover that Naomi not only discipled young Ruth in the ways of God but also in the ways of the new world where she had to adjust. In verses 11 and 12 chapter 2 Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Naomi testifies to Ruth’s kind nature and to her trust and love for the Jewish God and her attachment to the Jewish faith. She had a wise teacher.
In chapter 3 Naomi informed Ruth that Boaz was of near kin and could fulfill the law of kinsman redemption. According to this law whoever redeemed the inheritance must also take the wife of a dead brother and raise up seed for him in Israel
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her ….a son….and they called his name Obed: he is the father of David (chapter 4: 13 & 17).
What a powerful revelation! We learn how the Gentile blood came into the lineage of David and thus Christ the One who became the Savior for all mankind.
This was a joyful ending for faithful grand-mother Naomi whom God restored. He rescued her from poverty and hopelessness. And because of her witnessing Ruth became a woman of God and the great-grandmother to King David. Her absorption into Israelite life and history prefigure the Christian Gospel by which Gentiles are absorbed into God’s church. Ruth is a Gentile (Moabitess) in the ancestry of Jesus.
We are looking for a few good women!
Listen, there are many Naomi’s reading this exhortation who really want God to use them in a more powerful way. There are also some Ruth’s who are ready to become Naomi’s in another woman’s life and this letter is challenging to the both of you. Please pray about coming alongside one of our young ladies – just be yourself - just make yourself available.
We currently have twelve Paul's meeting with twelve Timothy's.
We currently have one Naomi meeting with one Ruth
But you may think: I am not qualified… that’ right, but Jesus is….. So the question is - are you available to share what you know?
You may think: I do not know what to do or how to go about doing it. Right again. But the Holy Spirit of God will help you. So the question is – will you trust Him?
We will help you. We will come alongside you. We will pray with you and equip you to go a little deeper with God. We will be conducting a women’s ministry training session soon.
Are you ready? Call me Monday – Thursday. Here’s my office number: 704-283-3573. Lives are being transformed by God through obedient people serving with Safer Communities Ministry. This is good ground to sow your money and/or your time. Come go with us.
In Christ,
Al
Rev. Al Lewis, Jr.
PS: A ministry friend recently exhorted me that folks could honor God and help our ministry by remembering SCM in their wills…
