Ruth's appeal to Naomi Ruth 1:16-17 Biog - Ruth

Background Famine in Israel Journey to Moab Death of Elimelech and later the death of Mahlon, Chilion Naomi’s desire to go home

Orpah goes back Ruth wants to go with Naomi

I. Faced with a choice

Ruth 1:6 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 how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread

Ruth 1:8 [8] And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me

Ruth 1:14-15 [14] And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. 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.

II. Ruth’s appeal to Naomi [16] And Ruth said, Intreat 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.

1. “Whither thou goest, I will Go” She would follow Naomi and be ever faithful to her Ruth loved Naomi – but she also wanted to please the God of Israel and live under His law

2. “Where thou lodgest, I will lodge” This shows Ruth’s willingness to share in Naomi’s life - the good and the bad – regardless of possessions or poverty, for better or for worse NOTE – she followed Naomi when Naomi was poor and destitute

3. “Thy people shall be my people” Ruth was determined to leave her own people – her own flesh and blood – and to accept as her own another people

Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

Deut. 23:3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:

4. “They God (shall be) my God” This was the most important statement that Ruth made! Ruth trusted in the one true and living God!

Ruth 2:12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Js. 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

5. “Where thou diest, will I die and there be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and Me” “She had made a choice that would last a lifetime and bring rewards for eternity.” She left Moab and its gods for good – she did not desire to be buried in her homeland

Ruth determined to stay with Naomi regardless of the situation – trials, persecution, poverty etc. She left her homeland to go to an unknown place as she searched for a “better country”

No doubt Ruth’s love for her family in Moab was great – but not greater than her devotion to God

Mt. 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Ruth and Naomi set out in faith – beginning a journey that would forever bring honor to their names

2 Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Ruth 1:18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

Lessons 1. We – like Ruth - must have strong determination ---- determination to overcome Satan and all he sets before those who are following Christ

1 Pet. 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

2. There can be a beautiful and rewarding relationship between mother-in-law and daughter –in-law

3. What is in the heart is reflected in how we live 4. God sustains us in good times and in sorrow or difficult times

Ruth 4:18-22 Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,

And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.