THE DECISION TO CLEAVE TO THE GOD OF JACOB
In Ruth 1: 11-13, we saw the way Naomi was discouraging them from going along with her. She insisted that she had no sons in Canaan, or any near kinsmen, whom may marry these widows, to raise up seeds for those who had gone, and in fact, she argued that she was never likely to have any sons to be husbands for them, for she was too old to have a husband; she thought if she had a husband, she could not expect to have children, nor, if she had sons, could she think that these young widows would stay unmarried till her sons that should yet be born would grow up to be marriageable. All these thoughts and many more grieved her to her soul.
She thought that God was angry with her
….for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me. Ruth 1: 13
Naomi seems to have said, “I am the sinner, ye are the sufferer” Orpah was easily persuaded to yield to her own corrupt inclination, and to go back to her country, her kindred, and her father's house.
To Orpah it was a savour of death unto death; the representation Naomi had made of the inconveniences they must count upon if they went forward to Canaan sent her back to the country of Moab, and served her as an excuse for her apostasy; but, on the contrary, it strengthened Ruth's resolution, and her good affection to Naomi. Her commitment, consecration and total yieldedness to the God of Jacob was not harmed.
Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, that is, took an affectionate leave of her, bade her farewell forever, without any purpose to follow her hereafter, and as soon as she left Heaven closed her chapter forever. Orpah's kiss showed she had deep affection for Naomi and yet still part from her; and that shows she did not love her well enough to leave her country for her sake. Thus, many have a value and affection for Christ, and yet come short of salvation by him, because they cannot find in their hearts to forsake other things for him. They love him and yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things better
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men Isaiah 29: 13
Ruth decided to cleave to Naomi; she must have tasted the God of Jacob and she knew the difference between the Holy one of Israel and the idols of Moab. She left everything, her kindred, her land, her country, her idols, for the God of Jacob. She had already made up her mind out of a determined heart to cleave to the God of Jacob. Ruth knew she cannot really demonstrate her honour and adoration to the God of Jacob as long as she still dwells among the worshippers of Chemosh. Those that forsake the communion of saints, and return to the people of Moab, will certainly break off their communion with God, and embrace the idols of Moab.
“If you will return back, return now”. This seems to be the interpretation of what Naomi seems to be telling Ruth. This is the greatest trial of her constancy. She knew she will need to truly demonstrate how genuine her conversion is by deciding to cleave to the God of Jacob.
Ruth puts an end to the debate by a most solemn profession of her immovable resolution never to forsake Naomi, nor to return to her own country, her own idols
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, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me Ruth 1: 16-17
the more Naomi discouraged her, the more she became resolute and firm in her conviction to remain with the Lord. She beg Naomi to stop persuading her to go back Ruth 1: 16
She is very particular in her resolution to cleave to her and never to forsake her; She is so in love, not with her mother's beauty, or riches, and fame (all these were withered and gone), she remained with her because of her wisdom, and virtue, and grace, she remained with her, even in her present poor and melancholy condition.
Ruth concluded with this affirmation, “thy God shall be my God” she bid farewell to all the gods of Moab including Chemosh. She made up her mind to adore the God of Jacob; and the idols of Moab she had bidded farewell.
Ruth desired to die the death of the righteous along with Naomi; and she even desired to be buried in the same grave, and lay her bones by hers. She did not want her dead body to be carried back to Moab. But, Naomi and she, having joined souls, she desired that they may mingle dust in hopes of rising together and being together in eternity to come
Ruth backs her resolution to remain with Naomi with an oath
…the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. Ruth 1: 17
Ruth resolved that nothing but death should separate her and Naomi; but we must resolve that death itself shall not separate us from our happiness in Christ. Naomi was hereby silenced when she saw that Ruth was steadfastly minded to go with her, then, she left off speaking to her. The resolution of Ruth puts her temptation to silence.
GOD BLESS YOU
DELE KELVIN
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