Post by MammaMel on Apr 24, 2020 10:29:28 GMT -6
ALL the world loves a love story. This is one reason Ruth ranks near the top in every list of favorite Bible women. Another reason is that she possessed a rare combination of beauty, goodness and gentleness which causes her to be loved and respected by both men and women, an attainment not easy. The very thought of Ruth is associated with that which is noble and pure. Read the four short chapters of the book. Your heart will be lifted, and your faith in God and mankind will be strengthened; This sacred literary gem appears during the period of the judges, at a time when war, bloodshed, heartache and famine are on every hand. Its sublime tone lifts us above the chaos of the time and gives us a glimpse into the hearts of simple people of faith. No sinful character mars the beauty of the story. No villain makes his entrance. In this respect, the book of Ruth stands alone in the Scriptures.
Try to visualize Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and the city of David, four generations before David was born. There lived Elimelech and Naomi and their two sons. Famine caused them to go to Moab, a heathen nation, in search of food. "And Elimelech, Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons, and they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other was Ruth: and they dwelt there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also, both of them." Three widows were left, faced with the rigors of fending for themselves in a difficult world. The courage and devotion manifested by the youthful widow, Ruth, and the older widow, Naomi, inspires us.
I. ONE DECISION DETERMINED RUTH'S DESTINY.
Bereft of husband and sons, the sorrowing Naomi decided to return to her homeland. Ruth and Orpah started with her toward Bethlehem, but she entreated them to, return to their homes in Moab. Orpah kissed Naomi and returned. Then came Ruth's moment of decision. She stood at the crossroads of life. Would she go or stay? Surely it was a difficult decision. Think of the pull on her heartstrings that could have led her back to Moab: the example of Orpah. the entreaty of Naomi; the thought of home and early associations, happier days with Mahlon in Moab and the site of his grave; the fear of being unaccepted in a strange country; the uncertainty of the future. Then her decision came - clothed in a language of devotion and a depth of feeling unsurpassed.
Entreat me not to leave thee,
Or to return from following after thee:
For whither thou goes, I will go;
And where thou lodges, I will lodge:
Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
Where thou dies, will I die,
And there will I be buried:
The Lord do so to me, and more also.
If aught but death part thee and me.
This avowal of faith, love and loyalty, stated in a simple rhythm more beautiful than rhyme, is a classic of all ages, an epitome of selfless devotion. Thousands have stood before flower-banked wedding altars and repeated as sublime vows these words first spoken by an obscure Moabitish woman to her mother-in-law.
There are times when every woman stands at the crossroads and makes one decision which can determine the entire course of life. Look back into your own life, and you will see that this is true. It may be a decision to move (as Lot, Gen. 13:11-13); or to marry (as Solomon, I Ki. 11:410); or to reject the gospel (as Felix, Acts 24:25). These stood at the crossroads and took the wrong turn. A different decision could have altered their destiny. When Ruth turned from idols to the living God and set her face toward Bethlehem, she made a decision which determined not only the remainder of her earthly life but also her eternal welfare. The opposite course would have led her back to obscurity and idolatry, as it did Orpah.
Since life is a series of decisions, we should weigh carefully the choices which may have eternal consequences. This is one thing that makes youth such a precarious time of life. So many decisions are so far-reaching: the formation of friendships, the choices concerning education, the selection of a companion, the decision concerning a vocation. These are a few of life's crossroads. Wise is the one who makes every effort to visualize the end of a road before entering it.
A decision to obey God may involve leaving dear things: family, friends, early training, and manner of life. Ruth did this, and there is no hint that she ever looked back longingly to her idols. So must it be with those who become Christians - a willingness to give up everything, if necessary, to obtain the one pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45, 46). A firm decision to do this produces a resolute calmness and a quiet strength, while the double-minded person is not only unstable but miserable.
II. INGREDIENTS OF A LOVELY LIFE.
True beauty comes from the heart. Ruth's gentle goodness flowed from the well-spring of her heart into the lives of others and gave her a charm admired by all. Consider some of the attributes of this lovely life.
1. She was Industrious. When she and Naomi reached Bethlehem, Ruth Suggested, “ Let me go now to the field, and glean ears of corn." She was not lazy. She willingly worked hard to sustain not only herself but her mother-in-law. Work is God-ordained and blesses the worker as well as all society. Slothfulness has always been condemned by God (EccI. 9:10; II Thess. 3:10), yet in our ease-age many people consider it a real attainment to be able to get out of work. Many have joined the cult of comfort and worshiped the god of leisure and luxury. A smooth-running home is not possible if the woman in it is lazy. God's word, especially Proverbs, speaks so often of the sin and the consequences of slothfulness. Many economic ills of families and of nations Could be solved simply by a willingness to work hard.
Ruth had a grateful heart. It so happened that in her search for food she went to the field of Boaz, who graciously insisted that she glean in his fields and partake of every hospitality. "Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?" (Ruth2:10). Samuel Johnson said: "Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people." Ruth's soul was large enough for gratitude and humble enough to express it. To be appreciated is one of mankind's most basic needs and desires. This should make us realize the need of expressing gratitude to others. When we voice thanks to another, we are nourishing that one's desire for applause. Yet, ingratitude is such a common sin, largely because many have too much pride to admit that they are indebted to God or man for small or large favors. Often those most richly blessed are the least grateful. There is a Chinese proverb: "Those who have free seats at the play hiss first." Though many do not realize it, ingratitude is a sin listed in the catalog of some of the blackest of man's transgressions (II Tim. 3:2).
She dealt kindly with all. Both Naomi and Boaz pronounced benedictions upon Ruth for her kindness (1:8; 2:12). These benedictions were answered later in the blessings show.' ered upon her, for kindness extended is a. boomerang which returns to bless. It is unalterably true that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." One command to Christians is: "And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another" (Eph. 4:32). Yet what a dearth of kindness and tender-heartedness there is in the world today. Too often this is true even in the family circle. Not so with Ruth. Being kind is easier than apologizing later, and the Christian has only two alternatives.
0 brothers I are ye asking how The hills of happiness to find?
Then know they lie beyond the vow—
"God helping me, I will be kind."
—Nixon Waterman
Faith in God was no doubt the basis of Ruth's lovely life. “Thy God shall be my God”. When one has completely given his heart to God, then beautiful traits begin to blossom in the soul. Faith is seen also in her willingness to abide by God's marriage laws. It was the law of Moses that Elimelech's next of kin should take Ruth for his wife (Deut. 25:5-10). Not understanding this, enemies of the Bible have severely criticized Ruth's conduct with Boaz. Without a doubt, she did the proposing; but she thought Boaz was her nearest of kin and therefore the man to be her husband according to God's law. It is not likely that she lacked admirers; and Boaz admitted his appreciation that she had chosen him in preference to some younger man, which a disregard for God's marriage laws could have led her to do.
Ruth was virtuous. Boaz said: "All the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman." He knew that Ruth was a gem among women, for "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." Her pure and appealing qualities had won for her an enviable reputation (2:11; 3:11). The whole city knew about her. Conduct, whether good or bad, is usually known much more widely than one thinks. The light of good works extends far and continues to bless even - after one's departure from this world (Rev. 14:13).
She was a devoted daughter-in-law. Unselfishly Ruth cared for Naomi, respected her as a mother, valued her counsel and advice. Only big hearts are capable of selfless devotion. No wonder Naomi and Boaz loved her; she was lovable. It is difficult to love someone who has no lovable qualities. You may stroke a kitten, but nobody pets a porcupine. Each of us should strive to acquire the gentler qualities which make one lovable. Love is a living thing. By attitudes and words and deeds, love will be either nourished or destroyed. Ruth succeeded in being a lovable daughter-in-law in spite of the most adverse circumstances. It would have been so easy for disagreements to come, but it seems that she felt nothing but respect and appreciation for Naomi who had borne her husband Mahlon and cared for him in his early years. It may be that she also thought something like this: "I may be a mother-in-law myself sometime. Then how will I want to be treated?" A Christian mother said to her daughter on her wedding day: "As long as I live, don't say anything to me against your mother-in-law. She is the woman who brought into the world a son and reared him to be your husband. She did such a good job that you fell in love with him. So no matter what she does, don't criticize her to me, for I will not listen." Surely such an attitude on the part of mothers would help pave the way for peaceful in-law relationships for their daughters.
III THE REWARDS OF RUTH'S RIGHTEOUSNESS.
When Ruth turned from idols to serve the living God, she made the right decision. Boaz wished for her a rich re-' ward: "The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (2:12). After trying days of sorrow and poverty and hardships, the sun of God's love bathed her life with warmth and gladness of the following rewards:
The reward of refuge under God's wing. No blessing is more needed or more consoling, as felt by the Psalmist: "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice"(Psa. 63:7). What a beautiful and comforting description of the protective power of a loving Creator. Christ used the same figure of speech as his heart ached over the city of Jerusalem; he longed to gather the sinful people under his protective care, "as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings." This providential care provided physical sustenance for Ruth; it was just her "hap" to go to the field of Boaz to glean; and the guiding hand of God is seen in her marriage and in the remainder of her life. Think of this peace-bestowing promise: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean. not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths"(Prov. 3:5,6). Note that it is conditional. If we will meet the conditions, God will fulfill the promise.
The reward of a good husband. The character of Boaz would make him a real prize for any woman. He was wealthy, yet concerned over the poor (2:8,9); he enjoyed the respect of the men who worked for him. He was discerning of Ruth's finer qualities and pronounced a blessing on her for them. He was grateful to her for becoming his wife. He was honest, for he told her there was a nearer kinsman who must be consulted before they were free to marry (3:12); he was concerned over her reputation (3:13); and he was careful to comply with every civil and religious requirement of marriage (4:1-13). Rich is the woman whose husband possesses not only manly strength but also a sensitivity and appreciation of all the tender and pure qualities of character. Only such a man could really have been attuned to the gentle heart of Ruth. Nothing is more admirable than a truly godly man, for living as God directs takes more actual strength and courage and manhood than anything else in the world.
The reward of motherhood. After ten years of childless marriage, followed by the heartbreak of widowhood, and the rigorous journey into a strange country, Ruth married Boaz and was blessed with a son. The coming of baby Obed must have brought unlimited joy. How fortunate, too, was little Obed to be born into such an atmosphere of mutual love and devotion. He was three-fold blessed, with a godly mother, father, and grandmother.
The reward of a place in the lineage of Christ. Obed was the grandfather of David. Thus, the Gentile Ruth became the mother of Kings: David, Solomon, and the King of Kings. Surely it was a blessing to be a link in God's chain of redemption. However, we sometimes forget that every Christian today sustains a relationship to Christ which is closer and more personal than any family tie (Matt. 12:46-50). If we are Christians, Christ is our Elder Brother, our Groom, our Saviour, our Intercessor before God, and the Shepherd of our souls.
REVIEW EXERCISE
1. What one decision determined the entire course of Ruth's life?
2. Name some other Bible characters who made decisions with very
far-reaching consequences - ----------------------------------------------------------
3.What are some of the decisions that are made today which can
possibly determine the entire course of one's life --------------
4. Give at least one Scripture which shows that God condemns laziness ----- -- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ---_______________
5. Give one Scripture which teaches that it is a sin to be ungrateful--------------------- - --------- . — ---------------- ____-_____ ____
6. "Be ye one to another
one another."
7. According to the law of Moses, who was supposed to marry Ruth?
8. What did Boaz do to make sure that they were abiding by God's marriage laws?
9. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own in all thy ways _ --------- ----------him, and he shall -------------------------------- _thy paths." -
10. Name some of the rewards which Ruth reaped because of her righteous life
11Who was Obed’s grandson? -
12. Christ said: "Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my_ _--_., and and_-____-_- ------
FOR THOUGHT OR DISCUSSION
1 Look back into your own life What are some of the decisions which have determined the course of your life? Were they good decisions? If not, is there any way to remedy the wrong decision
2. Name some wrong decisions which can never be remedied or revoked
3.Though Ruth's early life was filled with tribulation and heartache, she lived to see many days of rich and useful life. Do you think this would have been true if she had not leaned heavily upon the Lord?
4 Could Ruth have enjoyed the sweet relationship with Naomi, if she had allowed selfishness or jealousy to creep into her heart?
Try to visualize Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and the city of David, four generations before David was born. There lived Elimelech and Naomi and their two sons. Famine caused them to go to Moab, a heathen nation, in search of food. "And Elimelech, Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons, and they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other was Ruth: and they dwelt there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also, both of them." Three widows were left, faced with the rigors of fending for themselves in a difficult world. The courage and devotion manifested by the youthful widow, Ruth, and the older widow, Naomi, inspires us.
I. ONE DECISION DETERMINED RUTH'S DESTINY.
Bereft of husband and sons, the sorrowing Naomi decided to return to her homeland. Ruth and Orpah started with her toward Bethlehem, but she entreated them to, return to their homes in Moab. Orpah kissed Naomi and returned. Then came Ruth's moment of decision. She stood at the crossroads of life. Would she go or stay? Surely it was a difficult decision. Think of the pull on her heartstrings that could have led her back to Moab: the example of Orpah. the entreaty of Naomi; the thought of home and early associations, happier days with Mahlon in Moab and the site of his grave; the fear of being unaccepted in a strange country; the uncertainty of the future. Then her decision came - clothed in a language of devotion and a depth of feeling unsurpassed.
Entreat me not to leave thee,
Or to return from following after thee:
For whither thou goes, I will go;
And where thou lodges, I will lodge:
Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
Where thou dies, will I die,
And there will I be buried:
The Lord do so to me, and more also.
If aught but death part thee and me.
This avowal of faith, love and loyalty, stated in a simple rhythm more beautiful than rhyme, is a classic of all ages, an epitome of selfless devotion. Thousands have stood before flower-banked wedding altars and repeated as sublime vows these words first spoken by an obscure Moabitish woman to her mother-in-law.
There are times when every woman stands at the crossroads and makes one decision which can determine the entire course of life. Look back into your own life, and you will see that this is true. It may be a decision to move (as Lot, Gen. 13:11-13); or to marry (as Solomon, I Ki. 11:410); or to reject the gospel (as Felix, Acts 24:25). These stood at the crossroads and took the wrong turn. A different decision could have altered their destiny. When Ruth turned from idols to the living God and set her face toward Bethlehem, she made a decision which determined not only the remainder of her earthly life but also her eternal welfare. The opposite course would have led her back to obscurity and idolatry, as it did Orpah.
Since life is a series of decisions, we should weigh carefully the choices which may have eternal consequences. This is one thing that makes youth such a precarious time of life. So many decisions are so far-reaching: the formation of friendships, the choices concerning education, the selection of a companion, the decision concerning a vocation. These are a few of life's crossroads. Wise is the one who makes every effort to visualize the end of a road before entering it.
A decision to obey God may involve leaving dear things: family, friends, early training, and manner of life. Ruth did this, and there is no hint that she ever looked back longingly to her idols. So must it be with those who become Christians - a willingness to give up everything, if necessary, to obtain the one pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45, 46). A firm decision to do this produces a resolute calmness and a quiet strength, while the double-minded person is not only unstable but miserable.
II. INGREDIENTS OF A LOVELY LIFE.
True beauty comes from the heart. Ruth's gentle goodness flowed from the well-spring of her heart into the lives of others and gave her a charm admired by all. Consider some of the attributes of this lovely life.
1. She was Industrious. When she and Naomi reached Bethlehem, Ruth Suggested, “ Let me go now to the field, and glean ears of corn." She was not lazy. She willingly worked hard to sustain not only herself but her mother-in-law. Work is God-ordained and blesses the worker as well as all society. Slothfulness has always been condemned by God (EccI. 9:10; II Thess. 3:10), yet in our ease-age many people consider it a real attainment to be able to get out of work. Many have joined the cult of comfort and worshiped the god of leisure and luxury. A smooth-running home is not possible if the woman in it is lazy. God's word, especially Proverbs, speaks so often of the sin and the consequences of slothfulness. Many economic ills of families and of nations Could be solved simply by a willingness to work hard.
Ruth had a grateful heart. It so happened that in her search for food she went to the field of Boaz, who graciously insisted that she glean in his fields and partake of every hospitality. "Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?" (Ruth2:10). Samuel Johnson said: "Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people." Ruth's soul was large enough for gratitude and humble enough to express it. To be appreciated is one of mankind's most basic needs and desires. This should make us realize the need of expressing gratitude to others. When we voice thanks to another, we are nourishing that one's desire for applause. Yet, ingratitude is such a common sin, largely because many have too much pride to admit that they are indebted to God or man for small or large favors. Often those most richly blessed are the least grateful. There is a Chinese proverb: "Those who have free seats at the play hiss first." Though many do not realize it, ingratitude is a sin listed in the catalog of some of the blackest of man's transgressions (II Tim. 3:2).
She dealt kindly with all. Both Naomi and Boaz pronounced benedictions upon Ruth for her kindness (1:8; 2:12). These benedictions were answered later in the blessings show.' ered upon her, for kindness extended is a. boomerang which returns to bless. It is unalterably true that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." One command to Christians is: "And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another" (Eph. 4:32). Yet what a dearth of kindness and tender-heartedness there is in the world today. Too often this is true even in the family circle. Not so with Ruth. Being kind is easier than apologizing later, and the Christian has only two alternatives.
0 brothers I are ye asking how The hills of happiness to find?
Then know they lie beyond the vow—
"God helping me, I will be kind."
—Nixon Waterman
Faith in God was no doubt the basis of Ruth's lovely life. “Thy God shall be my God”. When one has completely given his heart to God, then beautiful traits begin to blossom in the soul. Faith is seen also in her willingness to abide by God's marriage laws. It was the law of Moses that Elimelech's next of kin should take Ruth for his wife (Deut. 25:5-10). Not understanding this, enemies of the Bible have severely criticized Ruth's conduct with Boaz. Without a doubt, she did the proposing; but she thought Boaz was her nearest of kin and therefore the man to be her husband according to God's law. It is not likely that she lacked admirers; and Boaz admitted his appreciation that she had chosen him in preference to some younger man, which a disregard for God's marriage laws could have led her to do.
Ruth was virtuous. Boaz said: "All the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman." He knew that Ruth was a gem among women, for "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." Her pure and appealing qualities had won for her an enviable reputation (2:11; 3:11). The whole city knew about her. Conduct, whether good or bad, is usually known much more widely than one thinks. The light of good works extends far and continues to bless even - after one's departure from this world (Rev. 14:13).
She was a devoted daughter-in-law. Unselfishly Ruth cared for Naomi, respected her as a mother, valued her counsel and advice. Only big hearts are capable of selfless devotion. No wonder Naomi and Boaz loved her; she was lovable. It is difficult to love someone who has no lovable qualities. You may stroke a kitten, but nobody pets a porcupine. Each of us should strive to acquire the gentler qualities which make one lovable. Love is a living thing. By attitudes and words and deeds, love will be either nourished or destroyed. Ruth succeeded in being a lovable daughter-in-law in spite of the most adverse circumstances. It would have been so easy for disagreements to come, but it seems that she felt nothing but respect and appreciation for Naomi who had borne her husband Mahlon and cared for him in his early years. It may be that she also thought something like this: "I may be a mother-in-law myself sometime. Then how will I want to be treated?" A Christian mother said to her daughter on her wedding day: "As long as I live, don't say anything to me against your mother-in-law. She is the woman who brought into the world a son and reared him to be your husband. She did such a good job that you fell in love with him. So no matter what she does, don't criticize her to me, for I will not listen." Surely such an attitude on the part of mothers would help pave the way for peaceful in-law relationships for their daughters.
III THE REWARDS OF RUTH'S RIGHTEOUSNESS.
When Ruth turned from idols to serve the living God, she made the right decision. Boaz wished for her a rich re-' ward: "The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (2:12). After trying days of sorrow and poverty and hardships, the sun of God's love bathed her life with warmth and gladness of the following rewards:
The reward of refuge under God's wing. No blessing is more needed or more consoling, as felt by the Psalmist: "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice"(Psa. 63:7). What a beautiful and comforting description of the protective power of a loving Creator. Christ used the same figure of speech as his heart ached over the city of Jerusalem; he longed to gather the sinful people under his protective care, "as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings." This providential care provided physical sustenance for Ruth; it was just her "hap" to go to the field of Boaz to glean; and the guiding hand of God is seen in her marriage and in the remainder of her life. Think of this peace-bestowing promise: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean. not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths"(Prov. 3:5,6). Note that it is conditional. If we will meet the conditions, God will fulfill the promise.
The reward of a good husband. The character of Boaz would make him a real prize for any woman. He was wealthy, yet concerned over the poor (2:8,9); he enjoyed the respect of the men who worked for him. He was discerning of Ruth's finer qualities and pronounced a blessing on her for them. He was grateful to her for becoming his wife. He was honest, for he told her there was a nearer kinsman who must be consulted before they were free to marry (3:12); he was concerned over her reputation (3:13); and he was careful to comply with every civil and religious requirement of marriage (4:1-13). Rich is the woman whose husband possesses not only manly strength but also a sensitivity and appreciation of all the tender and pure qualities of character. Only such a man could really have been attuned to the gentle heart of Ruth. Nothing is more admirable than a truly godly man, for living as God directs takes more actual strength and courage and manhood than anything else in the world.
The reward of motherhood. After ten years of childless marriage, followed by the heartbreak of widowhood, and the rigorous journey into a strange country, Ruth married Boaz and was blessed with a son. The coming of baby Obed must have brought unlimited joy. How fortunate, too, was little Obed to be born into such an atmosphere of mutual love and devotion. He was three-fold blessed, with a godly mother, father, and grandmother.
The reward of a place in the lineage of Christ. Obed was the grandfather of David. Thus, the Gentile Ruth became the mother of Kings: David, Solomon, and the King of Kings. Surely it was a blessing to be a link in God's chain of redemption. However, we sometimes forget that every Christian today sustains a relationship to Christ which is closer and more personal than any family tie (Matt. 12:46-50). If we are Christians, Christ is our Elder Brother, our Groom, our Saviour, our Intercessor before God, and the Shepherd of our souls.
REVIEW EXERCISE
1. What one decision determined the entire course of Ruth's life?
2. Name some other Bible characters who made decisions with very
far-reaching consequences - ----------------------------------------------------------
3.What are some of the decisions that are made today which can
possibly determine the entire course of one's life --------------
4. Give at least one Scripture which shows that God condemns laziness ----- -- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ---_______________
5. Give one Scripture which teaches that it is a sin to be ungrateful--------------------- - --------- . — ---------------- ____-_____ ____
6. "Be ye one to another
one another."
7. According to the law of Moses, who was supposed to marry Ruth?
8. What did Boaz do to make sure that they were abiding by God's marriage laws?
9. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own in all thy ways _ --------- ----------him, and he shall -------------------------------- _thy paths." -
10. Name some of the rewards which Ruth reaped because of her righteous life
11Who was Obed’s grandson? -
12. Christ said: "Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my_ _--_., and and_-____-_- ------
FOR THOUGHT OR DISCUSSION
1 Look back into your own life What are some of the decisions which have determined the course of your life? Were they good decisions? If not, is there any way to remedy the wrong decision
2. Name some wrong decisions which can never be remedied or revoked
3.Though Ruth's early life was filled with tribulation and heartache, she lived to see many days of rich and useful life. Do you think this would have been true if she had not leaned heavily upon the Lord?
4 Could Ruth have enjoyed the sweet relationship with Naomi, if she had allowed selfishness or jealousy to creep into her heart?
