our hearts to see if we can duplicate them from our own hearts. Which way are you walking; in the way of Orpah or of Ruth? Arriving In Bethlehem Ruth 1:19-22 In due time Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem. Bethlehem means “house of bread.” It is well named, not only be cause of the comparative fertility of its vicinity hut also because of the part it has had in redemption’s story. The Bread of Life made His entrance into human life here. As Naomi and Ruth make their appearance in the little town, they receive a good welcome. But Na omi feels deeply at this time the con trast between her condition when she left Bethlehem and her condition now that she has returned bereft of her hus band and sons. She feels that bitterness has been her lot. But she is to learn that God has not forgotten her. She will yet receive great blessing through God’s favors to Ruth, and will see the truth of the great fact of Scripture that “ all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Memory Verse: “Through love be serv ants one to another” (Gal. 5:13 R.V.) Elimelech, his wife, Naomi, and their two sons had moved to the land of Moab to escape a famine in their own land. After the death of their father, the two sons each married. After ten years, the sons died, leaving their wives and their mother alone. Naomi became homesick. Her two daughters-in-law walked to ward her homeland with her. Finally Naomi told them to return to their par ents’ home. The girls kissed Naomi and wept and - said that they would stay with her. At last Orpah returned to her home, but Ruth clung to her mother- in-law, and promised that she would stay with her and worship her God. When Ruth and Naomi came to the city of Bethlehem, Naomi’s friends rejoiced at her return. Ruth went to the field of a wealthy relative and began to glean the ears of corn. Boaz, the owner, was kind to her and commanded his servants to leave ex tra corn for her. How grateful to God were Ruth and Naomi that He had so abundantly cared for their needs! Mis understanding and impatience might have ruined the friendship of Ruth and Naomi, but Ruth’s family loyalty and her desire to follow her husband’s God led to love and joy. Families that place the Lord Jesus first and obey His command: “ Through love be servants one to another” find true joy and companionship because their loyalty to Him causes them to be ■loyal and helpful and understanding with one another. . Helps for the Children Ruth Stands By Naomi Ruth 1:2
July 16, 1950 RUTH, A SYMBOL OF FAMILY LOYALTY Ruth 1:8, 14-22 . Pointers on the Lesson
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The book of Ruth is like a bit of blue sky breaking through dark clouds. It was the time of the judges in Israel when things were “out of joint.” Moral and spiritual declension was everywhere apparent. The last verse of the book of Judges well describes the period: “ In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” But no matter how dark the times may be, God always leaves a light shining somewhere. In the story of Ruth we have a picture of true faith, love and loyalty. Her beautiful life has caused her name to be given to count less thousands of baby girls down through the years. At the Crossroads of Decision Ruth 1:8 In time of famine, Elimelech and his family left Bethlehem and dwelt in Moab. Sorrow continued to visit the little family, death taking away Elime lech and the two sons. Naomi, his wife, was now left with only Ruth and Orpah, her daughters-in-law. Suddenly she de termined that she would return to her home country for she had heard that conditions were better in Bethlehem. Be fore leaving Moab, she bade Ruth and Orpah to return “ each to her mother’s house.” Now what would the young women do? Would they remain in the land of idolatry and darkness or would they go with Naomi to the land of the true God and privilege? At such a crossroad we all stand at times. Walk in Separate Ways Ruth 1:14-18 The arguments of Naomi prevailed with Orpah. She “kissed” her mother- in-law but it was the kiss of a super ficial devotion. It lacked depth of meaning. Ruth “ clave” unto Naomi and this was an embrace of constancy and determination. A decision was made, the effects of which were to be tremen dous. That decision put her in the di rect line of the coming Messiah. See Matthew 1:5. No expression of loyalty and devotion has ever excelled the words of Ruth in verses 16 and 17. Let us search
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