Ruth 1: decides to stay

In the book of Ruth, Chapter 1, we encounter a pivotal moment where Ruth makes a life-altering decision that not only shapes her destiny but also impacts the lives of those around her. Despite facing immense challenges and uncertainty, Ruth chooses to stay.

In the face of adversity, Ruth's decision to stay signifies courage, resilience, and unwavering loyalty. She refuses to abandon her mother-in-law, Naomi, even when allowed to return to her homeland. Instead, Ruth demonstrates an extraordinary depth of love and commitment by standing by Naomi's side, come what may.

Ruth's decision to stay is rooted in her compassion and empathy. Despite the loss of her husband and the uncertain future that lies ahead, she refuses to let fear dictate her actions. Instead, she embraces the unknown with an open heart and a steadfast determination to support Naomi in her time of need.

Moreover, Ruth's decision to stay is a testament to the power of relationships and the bonds that unite us. Ruth exemplifies the true meaning of friendship and family in choosing loyalty over self-interest. Her willingness to sacrifice her comfort and security for another person's well-being is a timeless reminder of the importance of compassion and selflessness.

Ultimately, Ruth's decision to stay sets events that bring blessings beyond measure. Her unwavering faithfulness and resilience pave the way for a new beginning as she embarks on a journey of redemption and restoration.

We can draw inspiration from Ruth's example of courage and compassion in our lives. Whether faced with difficult decisions or navigating uncertain circumstances, may we always choose to stay – to stand by those we love, to embrace the challenges that come our way, and to trust in the possibility of new beginnings.

Themes

• Faith
• Faithfulness
• Hope
• Covenant
• Steadfast love
• Loyalty
• Courage
• Trust
• Providence 

Scripture's explanation

V6. She trusts in the living God of Israel, Naomi's God.

V.11-13 Willing to commit herself to Naomi and follow her.

V.16-17 Ruth followed Naomi's God because Naomi had consistently witnessed God. Ruth's covenant with God illustrates the type of commitment that should be standard for families and marriages today.

v.18 fight for those who have not to fight left in them.

V.19-21, when miss pleasant becomes miss bitterly through hope remains.

V.1922: What are we calling over our life that God has not named you?

V. 20 The soil of our hearts is where seeds for a new season grow. Our hearts need God's presence and the people of God.

1. Ruth 1:16 - "But Ruth said, 'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'"
2. Explanation: In this verse, Ruth expresses her unwavering loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Despite Naomi's insistence that Ruth return to her own family, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi and accompany her back to Bethlehem. Ruth's declaration demonstrates her deep love for Naomi and her willingness to embrace Naomi's people and faith as her own.

2. Ruth 1:20-21 - "She said to them, 'Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?'"

Explanation: Here, Naomi expresses her grief and bitterness over the losses she has endured. She renames herself Mara, which means "bitter," to reflect her pain. Naomi laments her hardships, feeling as though she has returned to Bethlehem empty-handed. This passage illustrates the depth of Naomi's suffering and her struggle to find meaning in her circumstances.

3. Ruth 1:22 - "So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, with her, who had returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest."

Explanation: This verse marks the conclusion of the chapter, highlighting Naomi and Ruth's arrival in Bethlehem. Despite the challenges they have faced, they return to Bethlehem at a fortuitous time—the beginning of the barley harvest. This detail foreshadows the blessings and opportunities for Naomi and Ruth in their journey of redemption and restoration.

Lessons

·     God provided for his people even amid famine
·      God uses our suffering to accomplish his purpose
·         Ruth claims Israel's God as her own, which was a huge deal because she was a Moabite and did not believe in God.
·         Commitment to God often comes through commitment to his people.
·         The road would not be easy, but He promised to provide for us. Ruth knew this truth.
·         Faith in God causes us to act in faith.
·         We have never run so far that His Love does not call us to return.
·         Ruth accepted the assignment of refinement.
·         Ruth was a game-changer; God used her to change a generational line.
·         Her words were passionate, fierce, and desperate.  

• Loyalty and Commitment: Ruth's steadfast commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, serves as a powerful example of loyalty and dedication. Despite the difficulties they face, Ruth chooses to remain by Naomi's side, demonstrating the importance of standing by loved ones in times of need.
• Selflessness and Sacrifice: Ruth's decision to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem involves significant sacrifice on her part. She leaves behind her homeland, family, and familiar culture to support Naomi, showing the depth of her selflessness and willingness to prioritize others' well-being over her own comfort.
• Resilience in Adversity: Both Naomi and Ruth experience profound loss and hardship in Ruth 1. Naomi loses her husband and sons, while Ruth becomes a widow. Despite these challenges, they demonstrate resilience by persevering through their grief and embarking on a journey to seek a better future.
• Trust in God's Providence: Despite Naomi's initial bitterness and feelings of abandonment by God, she ultimately trusts in God's providence and guidance. The events that unfold in Ruth 1 set the stage for a story of redemption and restoration, illustrating the importance of trusting in God's plan even in the midst of adversity.
• Importance of Community: Throughout Ruth 1, we see the significance of community and support networks. Ruth and Naomi rely on each other for strength and encouragement, and their eventual return to Bethlehem allows them to reconnect with their community. This highlights the importance of fostering supportive relationships and leaning on others during difficult times.
• Overall, Ruth 1 teaches us lessons of loyalty, selflessness, resilience, trust, and community, offering timeless wisdom for navigating life's challenges with grace and faith.

 

  

 

Reflections 

• Orpah Went back to her family. Love and safety are found with your people, with what is familiar. She went back to what she knew and to her God's (lack of commitment). God wants us to follow Him, but Ruth stayed.

Reflecting on this, I cannot help but ask myself if I would've been more like Orpah or Ruth. There have been times when I have been confused, lost, and returned to the familiar when things got complicated, like Orpah. At other times, I've been more like Ruth and taken a leap of faith, sticking through the challenges and being desperate.

• Elimelech- left Israel's promised land to look for blessings somewhere else. Moab(city) wilderness. Trials are not a sign that God Is not there. He is the faithful God. Beg to ask? How often did I miss God's blessings due to discontentedness and impatience? Or Make decisions based on fear and crisis, whether financial, relational, spiritual, or emotional. Would my situation make me run away or run to God? Will I stand fast in faith in the promises God has given me? Will I act in God's will or my own? God is so gracious that he allows me to take steps in the journey, but first, I repent for my foolishness, and when I am back into his will, wow! All the blessings it will bring. We should seek God's purpose to avoid taking the wrong step in every trial. In making decisions, we should ask God's counsel and consider all relevant factors; spiritual factors should weigh heavier than earthly benefits.

I have been in a shattered season, and it was painful. So, I have asked myself these questions: I can detour away from God or become desperate for God during those times. Also, would I stay with God no matter what? Stay with God when it is good, easy, complicated, confusing, straightforward, lonely, or messy? The answer is STAY! How would you react in a shattered season? I must do my best to not succumb to the temptation to give up on God.

• Ruth accepted the assignment of refinement. Am I willing to agree to the assignment of refinement in my Hopes, dreams, children, and family commitments? Make it stick? Walking through it can detour or lead me to God. Will I be desperate in need of God, or will fear, anxiety and uncertainty of the unknown take over? If I do not allow God to remove, cleanse, and improve areas in my life, I can miss the power and potential to do what God has called me. Remind yourself in times like this. We often discount God's actions because we are determined to go our way. “"efinement”"=tenderness, delicacy. It's not the place where God is making us feel awful. It is a tender place where He invites us to mold us into women who won't quit and can change generational lines.

It is essential to know that thoughts become words, words become actions, and actions become a reality. Naomi renames herself. What are we calling ourselves? NNaomi'spain and hurt became her identity. How many moments I had allowed bitterness to cloud my thoughts and feelings? Do you get bitter because things do not go as planned, or your life is not what you expected? Ruth could have let bitterness surround her. But she knew that she would have to work to change her life. We have an enemy out to steal, kill, and destroy. Naomi is unshaken and sure about three things: God exists, sovereign, and afflicted her. Naomi was experiencing this spiritual opposition. You have a choice to see tragedies and pain as your identity or see these negative emotions are not a lack of faith in God and see God has a reason for everything, even if you do not understand it. But acknowledge that God controls these events and lets it all happen. We have a choice. No matter how long you have been out of GGod'swill for your life, it is never too late for you to return. Even Naomi returned broken and bitter to Bethlehem only to be mightily renewed by God.  

The Power of Relationships: Ruth 1 emphasizes the profound impact of relationships on our lives. The bond between Ruth and Naomi serves as the centerpiece of the chapter, highlighting the strength and depth of their connection. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships and the support and comfort they can provide, especially during difficult times.

1. Navigating Loss and Grief: The chapter delves into the experience of loss and grief as both Naomi and Ruth grapple with the deaths of their loved ones. Their responses to grief vary, with Naomi expressing bitterness and despair while Ruth demonstrates resilience and determination. This prompts us to reflect on our own experiences with loss and how we navigate grief in our lives.

2. Choices and Consequences: Ruth 1 also explores the theme of choice and consequence. OOrpah's decision to return to her homeland contrasts with RRuth's choice to stay with Naomi, highlighting their different paths and outcomes. It encourages us to consider the choices we make in our own lives and the impact they have on our future.

3. Faith and Providence: Throughout the chapter, we see hints of divine providence at work, guiding Ruth and NNaomi'sjourney back to Bethlehem. Despite NNaomi's initial feelings of abandonment by God, their eventual return coincides with the beginning of the barley harvest, symbolizing a season of blessing and provision. This encourages us to trust GGod'splan, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

4. The Journey of Redemption: Ruth 1 sets the stage for a larger narrative of redemption and restoration that unfolds throughout the book. It foreshadows the transformative journey that Ruth and Naomi will embark on, filled with unexpected blessings and opportunities for growth. This invites us to reflect on our journeys of redemption and the hope that lies ahead, even amid trials.

Reflecting on Ruth 1 prompts us to contemplate themes of relationships, loss, choice, faith, and redemption, offering valuable insights into the human experience and the deeper meanings of our lives.

Final thought:

Ruth 1 offers a profound glimpse into the human experience, weaving together loyalty, loss, resilience, faith, and redemption themes. Through the initial portrayal of Ruth and Naomi's journey, wNaNaomi's eyes weather the power of relationships, the challenges of navigating loss and grief, and the significance of faith and trust in God's providence.

God's reflect on Ruth 1 invites us to contemplate our lives and the lessons we can glean from its timeless wisdom. It prompts us to cherish the relationships that sustain us, to find strength in the face of adversity, and to trust in the unseen hand of divine guidance.

Ultimately, Ruth 1 sets the stage for a larger narrative of hope and transformation that unfolds throughout the book of Ruth. It serves as a p ignant reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always the promise of a brighter tomorrow, filled with the possibility of redemption and restoration.

May we carry these reflections with us as we journey through life, drawing inspiration from Ruth and Naomi's resilienceNaomi'sith and finding hope that we are never alone.