Ruth 1:1-18 – TALE OF THREE WOMEN
INTRODUCTION – Vss. 1-6
There are three women in this story. Naomi had left the promised land with her husband during a time of famine. He had died. Naomi’s two sons had married Orpah and Ruth. The sons had died as well.
NAOMI CHOSE TO RETURN Vss. 6-7
She once left the promised land and was coming back to the place where she should be. When we do what is wrong, we should return to the ways of our God by repenting of, and forsaking sin. 1 John 1:9, Revelation 2:5
ORPAH CHOSE TO RETREAT Vss. 8-14
Naomi told her daughters-in-law to return home.
There was much trouble ahead for her. At first, Orpah was going to faithfully follow her mother-in-law. Finally, however she retreated to
her old way of life. Many people make professions of faith or commitment and then retreat from them when the road gets rough.
RUTH CHOSE TO RETAIN Vss. 15-18
Ruth retained her commitment to her mother-in-law, and her commitment to her mother-in-law’s God. In the end, she was the one who was blessed. (She became great grandmother to David. Ruth 4:13-17)