Cling on… (Ruth 1:6-14) 300907
Naomi lost her husband and her two sons. All she was left with were two Moabite daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. These two women had also became two childless widows. What can three childless widows do? How can they survive in the land of Moab? Who will provide for them from then on?
Naomi wanted to go back to her hometown, Bethlehem, for she might have relatives there, and she also heard that the Lord had been providing food to His people (v6). Therefore, she was not going to bring her two daughters-in-law along with her. She kept asking them to return to their own home (v8). Her intention seemed to be reasonable, for it will be difficult for her to provide for them and she did not want them to suffer along with her. If they returned to their own home, they might be able to remarry and had a good life after that (v11, 13).
Basically, Naomi was not able to trust God to provide. She perceived things in her own understanding and made decision that seems right in her own eyes. This was the problem with the people in those days. They managed their own life without God.
Orpah was persuaded and left unwillingly, but Ruth clung on to Naomi (v14). This was strange! A Moabite pagan woman clinging on to a Hebrew woman who worship YAHWEH. And this was an historical moment. A Moabite lady turning to God, the Almighty. Ruth ushered in a brand new dimension of God’s unlimited grace and lovingkindness for us to ponder.
I think Ruth understood that it would be tough for her to assimilate into this new and different society. She knew that the people in the land of Judah might not like her, as Israel and Moab were enemies to each other. But Ruth did not know that she was going to be a key character in the history of Israel and God redemption history. All she knew was to cling on.
Ruth clung on to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Actually, Ruth was clinging on to the God of Naomi, YAHWEH.
I guess I can choose to be like Naomi or Ruth. I can either choose to do what seems to be right in my own eyes or trusting God by clinging on to Him. Ruth knew that clinging on to Naomi would mean tougher life, she would not know how long this suffering will last, but she knew that she was clinging on to a God who was good and great and unchangeable.
If you have any struggle or going through any suffering, cling on. Cling on our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let’s cling on together.
HHS…
Abel…
