Ruth and Orpah

Ruth 1

Beginning of this chapter, was the depiction of a woman called Naomi, who was living in the land of Judah. However, because of famine in his own homeland, she and her husband and two sons decided to move to another land called Moab. Here, her two sons both were married to moabite women who were of different cultures, religions and beliefs in comparison to them. Soon, in these difficult time, Naomi's  husband died, followed by her two sons, leaving her alone with her two daughter-in-laws.

Now, by this time, Naomi heard that the Lord has came to meet the needs of the people back in Judah, so she decided to head back to her homeland. Looking at both Ruth and Orpah, her two beloved daughter-in-laws, she couldn't bring herself to have them clinging to her the rest of their lives as they were widowers at young age. So she told them that she released them, and asked them to go look for their own happiness and lead their own lives. Hearing this, both her  daugther-in-law wept loudly as they didn't want to live Naomi. However, after Naomi insisted, Orpah kissed Naomi and left.

Looking at this scenario, is it common that this happens? Well, putting yourself in the shoes of Orpah, you are young, and you are still capable of finding a new partner in life (and in those days, to women, getting married was a big deal! Almost like their primary purpose in life!), wouldn't you want to jump at the opportunity? At least you wouldn't grow old all lonely and husband-less....what more...CHILD-LESS! Who would take care of you at old age? Who would make a living to feed you when you cannot work anymore? Orpah left. And it wasn't wrong...because Naomi had already released her.

But look at Ruth. Ruth had an extraordinary sense of faithfulness. She clung on to Naomi tightly, and didn't want to leave her be even though she knew that it would probably be better for her if she leaves! She loved Naomi with all her  heart. She could not bear looking at her grow old alone, having nobody to take care of her. Hence, Ruth decided that she would follow Naomi the rest of her life. Look at what she said:

16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

Wow....now, that is RADICAL faithfulness! A radical follower! Imagine us as Christian today, if we can go the extra mile, stay faithful no matter what the circumstances may be, we could change the nation! Imagine having a follower that says this to you: Hey leader, wherever you go, I go! Your vision is my vision! Your God is my God! Your way is my way!....Do you know if this is an army, it would be really strong? If this is a cell group, it would change lives too.  See, God is amazing. He works power when there is unity. And what more, when there is faithfulness, God always honors. Ruth was an amazing follower, and an amazing woman that is mentioned in the bible (not even because of the things that she did for God, nor was it for her faith in God -- she was a Moabite with different belief)....but because of her faithfulness. And out of her faithfulness, Ruth was able to know the one true God ...because she told Naomi: Your God will be my God. And indeed...her faithfulness, brought her much blessings.

Would you be faithful today? Much good things come from faithfulness. Not recognition, not fame...but merely just faithfulness, even when times are bad and when nobody notices. Faithfulness = full of faith! =)

Cheers!