Ruth 1:14-22
Today's Passage: Ruth 1:14-22
As we left off yesterday, Naomi’s husband and two sons had died – leaving her with her two daughter-in-laws. She told them to go back to their homes, and we see today that Orpah left, while Ruth clung to her. Naomi and Ruth then return to Bethlehem together and cause a stir in the town.
In this moment, you see two different responses to suffering:
1. Ruth’s unwavering commitment to God and Naomi. We aren’t sure Ruth’s conversion story, but it is evident in verse 16 that she is now a follower of God. She had forsaken the gods in Moab, left the comfort of everything she knew, was never guaranteed a husband or kids, and she did it all because of her faith in God and desire to take care of Naomi. Even in the midst of suffering, Ruth was ready to be obedient to God.
2. Naomi’s struggling faith. Naomi knew God existed, He is in control, and that He afflicted her. Yet, Naomi failed to recognize how God had blessed her. She had a daughter-in-law willing to be with her no matter what. They also returned when the famine was over, which is what took them out of Bethlehem in the first place, and the barley harvest began (v. 22). God was still at work in her life even if she couldn’t see it at the moment.
In times of suffering, which person are you more prone to be? Are you like Ruth – being obedient to God and having steadfast faith? Or are you like Naomi – looking and reflecting on your affliction instead of trusting God’s plan for your life?
Written By: Brice Stockton
As we left off yesterday, Naomi’s husband and two sons had died – leaving her with her two daughter-in-laws. She told them to go back to their homes, and we see today that Orpah left, while Ruth clung to her. Naomi and Ruth then return to Bethlehem together and cause a stir in the town.
In this moment, you see two different responses to suffering:
1. Ruth’s unwavering commitment to God and Naomi. We aren’t sure Ruth’s conversion story, but it is evident in verse 16 that she is now a follower of God. She had forsaken the gods in Moab, left the comfort of everything she knew, was never guaranteed a husband or kids, and she did it all because of her faith in God and desire to take care of Naomi. Even in the midst of suffering, Ruth was ready to be obedient to God.
2. Naomi’s struggling faith. Naomi knew God existed, He is in control, and that He afflicted her. Yet, Naomi failed to recognize how God had blessed her. She had a daughter-in-law willing to be with her no matter what. They also returned when the famine was over, which is what took them out of Bethlehem in the first place, and the barley harvest began (v. 22). God was still at work in her life even if she couldn’t see it at the moment.
In times of suffering, which person are you more prone to be? Are you like Ruth – being obedient to God and having steadfast faith? Or are you like Naomi – looking and reflecting on your affliction instead of trusting God’s plan for your life?
Written By: Brice Stockton
1 Comment
Great diagnostic questions, Brice. Thank you!