Ruth 1:6-16 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 how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. 7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. 8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. 9 The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. 10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. 11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; 13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me. 14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. 15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. 16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest.
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A Peace That Surpasses Understanding What a powerful Gospel and testimony we find in the account of Ruth and Naomi. It’s interesting to note Naomi never abandoned her faith, despite her embittered complaints against the hand that was dealt her in losing her husband and sons and livelihood. She acknowledges clearly that this was by the Sovereign working of God, which is true enough but the sinner’s heart is still missing that Christ-centered perspective, ie it’s not all about us but about God’s grand design/plan to benefit all His people. We shouldn’t judge Naomi too harshly for how many of us have foresight or able to peer down the corridors of time to see that despite our current struggles and heartaches there is a hope for brighter future and fulfillment for our children and future families? Not many of us can especially when faced with present hardship or difficulty but mature believers must transcend to that divine peace that Paul describes as surpassing human understanding (Philippians 4:7), which is what Naomi may have demonstrated albeit not perfectly but well enough for Ruth to cleave unto. Ps- if you are ever charged chief of sinners, dear Tom, I’d be next to you in line if not ahead, yet prepared and happy to cast my crown at the feet of our risen and Sovereign LORD to whom all our salvation belongs.
Tom Harding is pastor of Zebulon Grace Church located at 6088 Zebulon Highway, Pikeville, Kentucky 41501. You may also contact him by telephone at (606) 631-9053, or e-mail taharding@mikrotec.com. The website address is www.henrytmahan.com.