{"id":726,"date":"2014-07-27T07:39:07","date_gmt":"2014-07-27T07:39:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.biblestudies4you.com\/?page_id=726"},"modified":"2014-07-27T07:39:07","modified_gmt":"2014-07-27T07:39:07","slug":"ruth-rewarded","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.biblestudies4you.com\/?page_id=726","title":{"rendered":"Ruth Rewarded…."},"content":{"rendered":"

Naomi\u2019s Losses.<\/span> <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Ruth 1: 1-6<\/p>\n

\u00a0 If we have been through the devotional on Proverbs, we will\u00a0 have seen a picture of the ideal woman near the end of the book. Now we are going to look at three different types of women whose lives were intertwined in very different ways The older woman was Naomi who was from the land of Israel, and now living in Moab, a heathen nation. Here the people knew nothing of the God of Heaven, and Naomi was on her own in her faith. Her husband and two sons had all died leaving her totally alone except for her two daughters in law. We will pick up her story here\u2026…<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Naomi was alone. Her husband had brought her from Israel where things were extremely hard, and they had come to Moab hoping that things might be easier. Their two sons had grown up there and had each\u00a0 married a local girl. Then disaster struck. First Naomi\u2019s husband died, and after a period of time, the two boys both became ill and died too. It seems strange that there were no grand-children\u2026.were the two boys too sickly? Or were they all too young? There are so many unanswered questions, but let\u2019s stick to what we are told.<\/p>\n

With the two sons having died as well, Naomi\u2019s thoughts turned to home once more. She had lost all that she held dear, and felt so alone.<\/p>\n

We often come to that point too. Things seem to have come to an end, and we know that we have to go back to where we came from. It may not be in a physical sense, but can be in the spiritual sense as well. If our life seems empty, we have to take stock of our situation as Naomi did, and make up our minds to return . It is not until our minds turn to the Lord again, that we can make a start in the right direction. When we have made mistakes, we can\u2019t be blessed by God until we go back to the point we left\u00a0 from, and confess our sins, humbling ourselves before God.<\/p>\n

Leaving God for worldly wealth, <\/i><\/b>Cost Naomi all her men and health;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>So\u00a0 let us now this lesson\u00a0 learn, <\/i><\/b>When we leave God, we must return! <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ruth\u2019s Refusal<\/span>\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Ruth 1: 7-15<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Naomi\u2019s decision to return to her homeland entailed effort and action. Before we can get back to where we once were, also requires effort. Sometimes it entails having to put wrongs right (if we can) and humbling ourselves before God. There is always a cost to putting things right, but the benefits are more than worth it. There is nothing to equal peace WITH God, because then it brings the peace OF God..<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Naomi was prepared to go back alone\u2026..how would her heathen daughters-in-law fit into the Jewish culture? So we too can only make the journey back to the Lord alone\u2026.it turns out to be\u00a0 just between you and God. So Naomi called the two girls to her and told them what she was going to do, and then told them to go back to their father\u2019s homes. She had nothing left to offer them, no hope at all. \u201cGo back to your gods\u201d was all she could say. So too, the backslider has nothing to offer others, their testimony is wrecked, and all they can say is, \u201cdon’t do what I did!\u201d<\/p>\n

she clung to Naomi saying, ” I want to stay with you!”<\/p>\n

Effort it takes, if you\u00a0 would make, <\/i><\/b>The journey back in repentance;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>Things to put right, unseen and in sight, <\/i><\/b>To be clear of your guilty sentence.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Ruth\u2019s Decision.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth 1: 16-22<\/p>\n

The two girls were faced with a choice\u2026.to go back home or to go with Naomi. The point in coming to the Lord always involves a conscious and deliberate decision\u2026.what do I want? What am I going to do?. One of them, Orpah, chose the easy way, to go back and stay in her familiar surroundings. But Ruth clung to Naomi, and made the statement that has become so famous, a statement of total commitment\u2026. “I will go with you, and make your country my country, and your God my God\u201d<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Imagine the stir in Bethlehem when they turned up there\u2026.the sad looking older woman with the young foreign lass. Naomi had lost much due to her flight from the hard times at home. All she had achieved was to waste her life\u2026.her family land was gone, and her family too. It pays to stop and think very hard before you follow what seems the easy way out, and make a wrong choice. Think of what effect it might have on your future life, where it might lead you in your spiritual life. This is usually the last thing that enters one\u2019s head when heading off on the easy way. It is not worth it, and will only bring sorrow and loss.<\/p>\n

Listen to Naomi\u2019s testimony\u2026.\u201dI went out called \u2018Pleasant\u2019 and I was full; now I have come back empty, so call me \u2018Bitter’.\u201d\u00a0 What a bitter experience to avoid!<\/p>\n

We are faced with choices every day, <\/i><\/b>What shall I do? Which is the best way?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>Remember this, take the Lord as you go, <\/i><\/b>If you\u2019d keep yourself from sorrow and woe! <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i>Ruth\u2019s Diligence.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth 2:1-17<\/p>\n

Look at verse 1\u2026. “Naomi had a kinsman, a mighty man of wealth\u201d. Perhaps Naomi had never taken much notice of Boaz before, and probably never gave him a thought while she was in Moab. A backslider too, has a mighty man of wealth nearby who has been ignored in the past, but He is there standing in the wings waiting to be called on\u2026.our Lord Jesus Christ.<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 But now Naomi was in dire need. Ruth went out into the fields of grain that was being harvested, and just \u201chappened\u201d to come to Boaz\u2019s fields. There was more than enough for her to gather there, enough for the day and enough for the future months. So too, our Lord Jesus has more than we need, eternal life from now on, and a tremendous hope for the future. He gives us our daily spiritual food, but we have to be like Ruth and gather it each day from His Word.<\/p>\n

This mighty man of wealth was not only happy to supply Naomi\u2019s need (his kinswoman) but also noticed Ruth, the foreign girl, the Moabitess, and reached out to include her.<\/p>\n

Doesn\u2019t this remind us of our Lord Jesus? He calls ALL from every nation to come to Him\u2026..\u201dCome to Me\u201d, He says. He not only noticed Ruth, but he called her to him and told her to stay in his fields and not to look elsewhere for grain. He offered her provision and also protection for the present days right to the end of the harvest time. What a wonderful picture of our Lord Jesus in His provision and care for His people today!<\/p>\n

Naomi\u2019s kinsman standing there, <\/i><\/b>Giving\u00a0 all he had to share;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>For those who seek, it\u2019s freely giv\u2019n\u2019\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>Joy for now, and life in heaven.\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Ruth\u2019s Acceptance.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth 2:18-23<\/p>\n

Ruth accepted Boaz\u2019s offer which was made freely to her, and she found she more than enough for her own immediate needs. As we find our satisfaction in Christ, we are able to pass on these truths to others.<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As Ruth showed\u00a0 Naomi what she had brought home, she caused praise to ascend to God (verse 20). <\/i>\u00a0\u00a0Do our words and actions cause praise to rise to God as others\u00a0 realise what God has done for us? As Ruth went out to meet Boaz, he gave her his invitation to stay in his fields. She accepted this, and acted on it. We too, have many great and precious promises in God\u2019s Word, do we depend and act on these?<\/p>\n

Ruth remained steadfastly in Boaz\u2019s fields and gleaned all their needs. The thing to notice is that she had to work for it, it didn\u2019t just fall into her lap! If we remain steadfastly obedient to God\u2019s Word, we too, will find all our spiritual needs met. But we have to make the effort to read God\u2019s Word or we will never know the Lord without seeking his face day by day.<\/p>\n

Ruth took the offer made so free,\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>And gave the blessings she could see;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>We must do the same each\u00a0 day, <\/i><\/b>Getting up to follow God\u2019s way.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\u00a0R<\/strong><\/span><\/i>uth\u00a0 Seeking.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth 3:1-18<\/p>\n

The harvest was over and the winnowing done, and Boaz was a satisfied man. His purpose was accomplished. In the same way, our Lord Jesus has completed the work of salvation\u2026.Isaiah tells us in chapter 53 verse 11 that He has seen the travail of His soul and is satisfied\u00a0 with His work.. His mission is accomplished.<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Naomi, who once suggested to Ruth\u00a0 that she return to her heathen gods,\u00a0 now suggests the Ruth\u00a0 seek a closer relationship with Boaz, her relative. Naomi has something to offer Ruth now that she is back in her own land. In the same way, the backslider who returns to the Lord has something to offer to others, and they can share the gospel with those around them.<\/p>\n

Ruth took Naomi\u2019s suggestion and went to Boaz, taking the humble place at his feet and showing that she wanted a closer relationship with him. How much do we want a closer relationship with our great Kinsman Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ? Are we willing to humble ourselves before him, confessing our sins and asking His forgiveness?<\/p>\n

Boaz did not turn her away\u2026..we are told that if we abide in Christ, He will abide in us, (John 15: 5)<\/i> and we will bear much fruit for Him. Boaz loaded Ruth with corn in abundance, and as we seek the Saviour He loads us with benefits and blessings giving us more than we can ask for or think of! What a wonderful Saviour He is!<\/p>\n

The work was done, the harvest complete,\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\u00a0And Ruth lay down at Boaz\u2019s feet;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>She humbled herself, seeking his face,\u00a0\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>And he lifted her up to the highest place.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Ruth Rewarded.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i><\/b>Ruth 4:1-22<\/p>\n

Boaz went through the proper channels to make Ruth his wife. He swept away all hindrances, and paid the price to redeem the land and the girl. The Lord Jesus came to earth as a man, and paid the price of man\u2019s sin so He could be the Redeemer of all..<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ruth became Boaz\u2019s bride and there was perfect union and communion between them. The church is the Bride of Christ, and as an individual the believer is told to abide in Him (obey, respect and please Him) and He will abide in the believer\u2026.. a perfect union that a good marriage is a picture of.<\/p>\n

Ruth bore a son and Naomi looked after him\u2026..we see here a picture of someone who was once a backslider with nothing spiritual to offer anyone,\u00a0 who is now a fulfilled and joyful person, able to help others. There is no greater joy for a believer than to remain in Him\u2026..this brings great joy in every way\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (John 15:11).<\/i><\/p>\n

Naomi would never have realised the lessons that one can still learn from her experiences\u2026.we are told that these things are written for us to learn from\u00a0 (Romans 15: 4).<\/i><\/p>\n

Boaz redeemed the land and the maid,\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>And for them both, the price he paid;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>Ruth\u2019s son much joy to all did bring,\u00a0 <\/i><\/b>And from him came God\u2019s greatest King.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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Naomi\u2019s Losses. Ruth 1: 1-6 \u00a0 If we have been through the devotional on Proverbs, we will\u00a0 have seen a picture of the ideal woman near the end of the book. Now we are going to look at three different types of women whose lives were intertwined in very different ways The older woman was … Continue reading Ruth Rewarded….<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-726","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P69z0J-bI","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblestudies4you.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/726","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblestudies4you.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblestudies4you.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblestudies4you.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblestudies4you.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=726"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblestudies4you.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/726\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":727,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblestudies4you.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/726\/revisions\/727"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblestudies4you.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=726"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}