The Price of Loyalty
Ruth: A Story of Redemption • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 1 viewNotes
Transcript
Intro
Intro
I LOVE a good story
Talk about the many books I received for my birthday; even the type of video games I love to play
There are a number of really good stories in the Bible
Ruth is one example...
Journey to Moab
Journey to Moab
Background
The book of Ruth is a novella
A complex story with compelling characters
Set during the time of the judges
Looking back indicates the book was written after this time (monarchy or exile)
Time of the judges followed the conquest of Canaan by Joshua and the Israelites
Incomplete; led to a cycle of warring between neighbouring nations and Israel (God would raise up a judge)
At some point during this time (not important), there was a famine in the land
Famines in this region were a reality and happened often; could be localized
When drought and famine struck, you would move to an area where food was more plentiful (if you could afford to)
The family
This is exactly what Elimelech did with his family (wife Naomi and sons Mahlon and Chilion)
They left home (Bethlehem in Judah) and traveled to Moab where there was no famine
Show on map
The family went to sojourn in Moab, not live their permanently (i.e., resident aliens)
During the 10 years they ended up spending in Moab, Elimelech died
It seems Naomi’s sons were old enough to provide for the family, and they took Moabite wives (Orpah and Ruth)
This is counter-cultural; intermarriage was NOT encouraged in Israel; Moabites and their descendants were forbidden from worshipping in the Tabernacle/Temple (cf. Deut. 23:3)
Perhaps at this point they were planning to stay after all
But tragedy struck again, when both Mahlon and Chilion died
Naomi was in grief (lost a husband and 2 sons)
She was destined to be alone (no one left in her family)
She was also destined for poverty and uncertainty (women could not provide for themselves)
Naomi and Her Daughters-in-Law
Naomi and Her Daughters-in-Law
Naomi goes home when she hears that the famine was over in Israel (v. 6)
There is nothing and no one left for her in Moab, so she heads home
At first, both Orpah and Ruth follow Naomi
But she would have none of it!
Read Ruth 1:8-9.
What she wants for her daughters-in-law is to remarry
Then they would be provided for (rest = security)
Naomi’s kiss is a farewell kiss, and they weep at the idea of parting (lots of love for the in-laws)
Briefly share the tearful good-byes after being with Karen’s family last summer; at least we have video calling, etc...
But Orpah and Ruth refuse to leave Naomi
Read Ruth 1:10.
Naomi’s response is to point out that staying with her is an option that seems hopeless
Read Ruth 1:11-13.
She refers to the practice of Levirate marriage (found in Deuteronomy 25:5)
Designed to protect women from this exact situation!
Naomi also gives voice to the bitterness she feels at the loss of her husband and sons
To make matters worse, she is better that this also affects Orpah and Ruth, and requires them to leave (making her truly alone)
Orpah is now convinced to leave
They all cry together again, and Orpah returns the farewell kiss and goes back to Moab (we read into this)
But Ruth stubbornly decides to stay with Naomi
In fact, she “clung” to her mother-in-law (v. 14)
Hebrew word from “clung” is the same root as is described in God’s design for marriage in Genesis
Cf. Genesis 2:24.
Ruth is clinging to Naomi; fully committed and loyal to her, just as in a marriage
Likewise, we are called to cling to those we love.... yes, be clingy!
Like Silas learning to swim, or on the ship ride at Tinkertown; except out of love, not fear
Appropriately, we need to do this in marriage
Outline the exception of abuse; Naomi and Ruth LOVED one another; cling to this
We also cling to our kids, even when they may be pulling themselves away
Or our dearest friends, either through disagreement or even turbulent times in life
Don’t let go!
Naomi tried one last time to convince Ruth to leave
Read Ruth 1:15.
Follow Orpah, do as she has done! It will be better for you
Ruth is having none of it; gives a tremendous statement of loyalty
Read Ruth 1:16-17.
Ruth describes here loyalty; she will be side-by-side with Naomi always
Go -> go, stay -> stay, die -> die
Part of this loyalty is one of faith
“Your people shall be my people, and your God my God
Ruth placed her trust in Yahweh (even as a Moabite); she is a convert
He is the way this type of loyalty is possible
In fact, Ruth appeals to Yahweh (and reveals faith) to see this through (re-read v. 17)
This taking an oath before God; like placing our hand on the Bible and saying, “so help me God”
True loyalty requires God’s help
If you want to cling to your marriage, your children, your friends, then ask God for help
Do this primarily through prayer; it is powerful and effective!
Naomi recognizes that Ruth is determined to stay, and they journey home to Bethlehem
Return to Bethlehem
Return to Bethlehem
When Naomi returns, all of Bethlehem is buzzing at the news
“Is this Naomi?”
10 years have elapsed; she is older; she is also widowed and has lost sons; lots has changed
In response, Naomi gives full force to her grief and anguish
Read Ruth 1:20-21.
She changes her name to express her situation
Names carried specific meaning in those times
Naomi = kindness, pleasentness; Marah = bitterness
“I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty” (v. 21)
She has nothing left; her entire life is uncertain; she has lost a husband and 2 sons; she is empty
“The Lord has brought calamity upon me” (v. 21)
Hebrew is even stronger here: “The Lord has done evil to me”
She is angry!
Naomi still believes in God and His sovereignty, but it leads her to accuse Him of her estate (much like Job)
All of this grief, anger, bitterness and uncertainy is what Ruth has signed up to share
She is paying the price of loyalty; There is a price to loyalty
Marriage vows give us a glimpse: “For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,” etc.
Talk about Dad caring for Mom; or Al Heinrichs caring for Anne
If we refuse to pay the price of loyalty, everything becomes self-serving
What can you do for me? What is in it for me?
How I treat my relationship with telecom companies
But if we treat our relationships this way, we will churn through marraiges, friendships, workplaces, churches, etc.
The story of Ruth invites into something deeper; loyalty that is willing to pay the price
Conclusion
Conclusion
Last weekend we remembered the prime example of the price of loyalty
Good Friday = Jesus willingly went to the cross out of His loyal love for us
Ruth gives us a glimpse as to how we can live out this example
But it all starts with accepting the loyal love of Jesus
When you do, He will enable you to properly cling to those you love, for better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness or health
Pray