"And Ruth Said" Part 1...

Ruth 1:1 - 1:22

Due to my "slump", I have explained that I am having extreme difficulty doing my daily readings. I have decided since I am trying to keep my Journey going, that I will do this post on my favorite book in the Bible.

The Book Of Ruth. This story has always held an extremely precious place in my heart and I am not sure why. Most people do not receive as strong of a message from this book than others, but this one speaks to me in a way I cant explain.

Here We Go...

In the time when the "Judges Ruled" in the land of Judah, there was a great famine in the land. Elimelech (originally from Bethlehem), along with his wife Naomi and his two sons Mahlon and Kilion, went to live in the country Moab.

While in Moab, Elimelech passed away and the sons married two Moabite women. Mahlon married Ruth, and Kilion married Orpah. After they lived in Moab for about ten years. Mahlon and Kilion also passed away.

At this point in time Naomi has lost everything. She has lost her husband who took her to live in the country of Moab to escape the famine, as well as her two sons. Who took care of her for ten years in Moab. Now all Naomi has is two daughter-in-laws.

While They were in Moab, Naomi heard that the Lord had come to aid in the land of Judah ( the homeland of Elimelch, Naomi and their sons) by providing with food. Naomi, Ruth and Orpah prepared to return home to Judah.

So while traveling, Naomi breaks down.

"Go back, each of you, to your mothers home. May the lord show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband."

This break my heart every time. Naomi deeply cared for these girls, and although she had nobody, she was willing to live alone then have them unhappy in any way.

The girls refused to go, they felt as though they belonged with Naomi, Naomi was their family, but she explained to them that the Lord had gone out against her, and she could not have more sons for them.

After telling the girls a few times to go back, the girls were both crying and weeping. Orpah kissed Naomis head and headed back home. Ruth however would not go. She would not leave Naomis side.

This is by far my favorite quote from the Bible... Ruth 1:16

And Ruth said, "Entreat me not to leave thee, or return from following after thee. For whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

Ruth has such a big heart. Every time I read this quote I feel like I am going to cry. Ruth had no legal ties to Naomi. She was setting off to an unknown land with a woman who had nothing but herself.

When looking for pictures that related to Ruth and Naomi, I noticed that all the pictures gave a false interpretation of Orpah.

In most of these pictures, it shows Ruth and Naomi having their moment while Orpah walks or stands away unaffected. I do not think that is what happened. I think their was probably a strong moment with Orpah and Ruth, as well as one with Orpah and Naomi. Orpah turning back was not a bad thing. Orpah was only carrying out the wishes of her Mother-In-Law. She did not want to turn back. She was doing what she thought was right for Naomi, and what Naomi wanted.

Naomi and Ruth were unlikely Friends. They were an entire generation apart. Ruth was young and strong while Naomi was well past middle age.

Even stranger than the age difference. One was the others Mother-In-Law, and came from an entirely different ethnic and religious background.

Ruth was a great person. She had (in my opinion) what we are all missing today. She had the strength and courage to give her life, family, and home up just for the happiness of a lonely woman. Ruth deeply cared for Naomi. This is very sweet to me.

I will finish Ruth Later Tonight.

Kale