RUTH

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                          RUTH

In the book of Ruth is a striking contrast of two ways we can relate to the
Lord.

  We are all familiar with the two daughters-in-law who started out with
Naomi on her journey back to the land of Judah.

  One, Orpah, was following her mother-in-law out of respect.  
  She is to be commended for her respect.  We SHOULD have respect for our
in-laws.  We should also have respect for The Lord and the House of Worship.
 We should be reverent and respectful of His House.  We should have respect
for His Ways-- the ways of good and righteousness.

  But RESPECT might not be enough to see us through some of the tough
decisions that we are apt to be faced with.  

  When Orpah faced a critical decision, she opted to return to her own people
and her old way of life.  The way of life in Moab was different than what the
Israelites held to.  She had tasted the good life.  She had learned some of
the history of Israel-- of God's deliverance from Egypt-- of His Laws to
them-- His provision for them.

  RESPECT failed her in the crucial hour of decision.  She gave Naomi a kiss
of love, and returned to her former life.

  RUTH, on the other hand, was following Naomi out of love.  Not only love
for Naomi, but, as shown by her testimony, a COMMITMENT TO THE GOD OF ISRAEL.
 Listen-- Can't you hear her as she tells Naomi: Ruth 1:16-17  And Ruth said,
Entreat 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. 

  LOVE LEADS TO A COMMITMENT which will anchor our souls in God for Time and
Eternity.  Live or die, sink or swim, hail or high water, better or worse.

  WE NEED TO BE COMMITTED TO GOD BECAUSE OF LOVE.