Ruth Chapter 1

^{I am finally back to my blog spot!  I have missed it.  Recently I taught a series to our youth from the book of Ruth.  In my last post I began the blog version and now I am going to try to complete it as my schedule will allow.}

^{Ruth 1:6-9}

⁶ “Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had visited His people by giving them bread.

 ⁷ Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.

 ⁸ And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.

 ⁹ The LORD grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.”
So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.”

This story continues into a very dark and sad series of events.  This is one of those moments that if you read the scripture to fast you miss years of events.  Naomi has lost her husband and both of her sons.  She is a widow in a land that is not kind to her people.  The Moabites have long been an enemy and now she is widowed with no children and two daughter in-laws. They were not permitted to work because of their gender so this is a very poor family who is dependent on others.

I want to stop here for just a moment.  Reflect on this.  Seriously!  There are people in our community today who are in the same situation.  Sure things have changed to the point where women can work but think about how many people who are in desperate situations that need help from the Church.  The need has not changed with time.

Now as we look further into the scripture notice the imagery her in verse 7 “they went on their way to Judah”.  They are packing what little they have and are heading back to Judah because the famine is over and there is plenty in the land.  Based on the law of God from Leviticus chapter 26 this would indicate that Judah has repented of sin and experienced Revival.

Now look at verse 8.  Naomi tells these young ladies “you need to go back to your people”.  Naomi knew she could not provide for them and that they would be outcast in Israel. They were unclean women in the eyes of the Jews.  They have no income and they would be better off going back home. 

Now look at verse 9.  Tears of broken women!  Why did these two girls (Orpah and Ruth) weep when Naomi bid them farewell?  I think the answer is simple. Love!  Paul says “love suffers long and is kind” (I Cor 13:4).  Wow is that not powerful!  Look at the passion these women have for one another.  There is no jealousy or envy.  Only love.  This is what makes this book so great and this is only the beginning.

Jesus Saves,

RR