Sand Mountain Sermonette 55
Ruth 1:16; Isaiah 43:19; Hebrews 10:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ruth 1:16
Sand Mountain Sermonette 55
A Beautiful Book-A New Day
“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.’” Ruth 1:16, (King James Version)
One of my favorite classes at Snead State Jr. College, Boaz, Alabama, was a literature class I took my second year. I had a wonderful teacher; a lady who loved her class, loved her students, and made class fun and interesting. It was in this class I became interested in the study of Greek Mythology, however, I can honestly tell you that whenever I think back on having had this class, my thoughts first go to our study of the Book of Ruth. And I will never forget our teacher telling us that in her opinion, the Book of Ruth was the most beautifully written book in all of literature. I also appreciated deeply her not only treating this great book of the Old Testament for its literary aspect, but also sharing with us its context set in Biblical history and allowing the Word of God to stand on its on as the Word of God. Also, this was the only course in all my undergraduate studies that included a Biblical subject. The Lord had not confirmed his call to my being a pastor at this time, as I was on a Secondary Education path which I did receive as my undergraduate degree prior to my calling to begin seminary about nine years later.
In the story (the true story) of Ruth, we find a Jewish family from Bethlehem: Elimelech, his wife Naomi and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion, traveling to the land of Moab in search of a more favorable climate conducive to rain for famine had beset Bethlehem. While in Moab, Naomi’s two sons married Moabite women. Later, Naomi’s husband and two sons died! Therefore, we now find Naomi and her two daughters-in-law as widows. When we come to Ruth 1:16, Naomi has heard news that the Lord has provided food for His people in Bethlehem (1:6), so she is going back to Bethlehem but insists her two daughters-in-law go back to their gods and their people of Moab. The daughter-in-law Orpah returns to her gods and people whereas Ruth “clings” (1:14) to Naomi and declares she will stay close to her mother-in-law and in essence, leave her people and her gods to go to Bethlehem and serve not only her mother-in-law, but Naomi’s God (Yahweh) and her people, (God’s people).
Perhaps, like Ruth, you need a fresh start; something new that only God can bring; only God can do, for He is the God of new beginnings (See Isaiah 43:19 and Hebrews 10:20).
What a beautiful way for God’s story (His-story) to intersect with your story than by offering to God this prayer (as the Holy Spirit leads you), “Lord Jesus, the desire of my heart is that I not turn back from You in the midst of this challenge, but that I draw near You: where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay.” What would we do—where would we be, dear Christian, if we did not follow the One who laid down His life for us? And dear reader, have you put your trust in the saving work of Christ upon the cross and his bodily resurrection from the dead? Are you a new creation (2 Corinthians 5;17)? Cling to Christ, He loves you!
Ruth 1:16: A beautiful verse, a Beautiful Christ!
Pastor Louie