What a beautiful reminder that this journey brings rewards whether it is here on earth or in eternity. Christ Jesus is our greatest reward.
by VANESSA WHITE
As we study the book of Ruth, it is great to know the time setting, and the culture because bible prophecy is biblical and relevant. God speaks to us through His Word; the Holy Scriptures.
The book of Ruth took place sometime during Judges. This tiny book contains only eighty-five verses but it is filled with historical, biblical and prophetic truths.
READ Ruth 1:6-13
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 that the Lord had visited[a] His people by giving them bread. 7 Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8 And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.”
Ruth 1:6-9
Naomi’s character is one of persevering faith despite her bitter disappointments; her husband Elimelech and then later her two sons Mahlon and Chilion had died in the land of Moab. Naomi was left without possessions or property she was left with two dependent daughters-in law, Oprah and Ruth who were Moabite women. The law specified in Deuteronomy 23:3 No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation. I love learning God’s Word because during these times foreigners (gentiles) did not serve the true living GOD, the one and only God. The GOD of Israel. As we study the book of Ruth who was a gentile; a person of a non-Jewish nation, we will see God’s grace and redemption. Jesus; the God who saves!
Naomi was a foreigner in Moab, without family support, her circumstances were tragic and I’m sure she felt abandon by God, her situation looked impossible in human understanding. I’m sure at this point she felt more destitute than when she and her family were living in Bethlehem, they left Bethlehem because there was a famine in the land. No husband to provide for her needs or her two daughters-in-law. Nomi heard that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread, He provided for their needs.
Naomi persevered through faith; she was determined to return to the land of Judah. Naomi was telling her daughters-in-law to return to their land because she could not provide sons for them to be their future husbands.
It’s a reminder that we can return to the Lord, recognize our sins because we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23. We can repent and turn to the LORD. We can seek Him for provision and help because the LORD promised to provide for our daily needs. We must resolve in our hearts to seek His face, to seek His counsel. Knowing in our heart, it is worth it to live for Him, to obey His decrees and His glorious holy ways. He surely will direct our paths; Psalms 119:105. What a beautiful reminder that this journey brings rewards whether it is here on earth or in eternity. Christ Jesus is our greatest reward.
Isaiah 54:5 tells us; For your Maker is your husband, The LORD of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.