674. RTH 1:16. RUTH’S PIOUS DECISION

Rth_1:16. Ruth’s Pious Decision

"Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."’97Rth_1:16.

A more beautiful and affecting narrative was never penned, than is recorded by the inspired historian, in the Book of Ruth.

A famine drove Elimelech and his wife Naomi, and their two sons, into the country of Moab. Elimelech dies there; so also his two sons. Here are three widows: Naomi, and Orpah, and Ruth. The young widows belong to the land of Moab. Naomi, however, resolves to return to her own country.

These two daughters-in-law accompany Naomi a part of the way towards the land of Judah. She then entreats them to return back again; and affectingly prays for them: Rth_1:8, Rth_1:9. Orpah returned back to her home: Rth_1:14, &c.; but Ruth would not leave her: Rth_1:15.

Our purpose is to urge upon you to adopt Ruth’s choice,’97and evidence Ruth’s decision.

I. Adopt Ruth’s choice.

1. Choose the God of Israel for your God.

(1.) He has revealed himself as the God of love, &c.

(2.) He has visited us in our flesh.

(3.) He has redeemed us by his Son.

(4.) He invites us in the gospel.

2. Choose the people of God for your companions.

(1.) You are social beings, and will associate with some persons.

(2.) Wicked and worldly companions will imperil your salvation. This is obvious, from the power of association From all observation.

(3.) God’s people are the best companions. They are the wises,’97most truly affectionate; therefore, most profitable.

They will counsel you.

They will pray for you.

They will watch over you.

They will sympathize with you.

II. Adopt Ruth’s decision.

1. There is need of decision. (1.) The world will allure. (2.) Satan tempt.

(3.) Your hearts lean to evil. (4.) The backslidings of others will affect you. As when Orpah went back.

2. What kind of decision is essential.

(1.) It should be earnest.’97The decision of the heart and soul.

(2.) Prayerful.’97Seeking the grace of God.

(3.) Humble,’97Renouncing all self, &c.

(4.) Believing.’97Looking for salvation to Christ only.

(5.) Present.’97"Behold, now is the accepted time," &c.

Application

1. Some have made this choice.

You may well rejoice and exult in it.

2. Some are halting.

How strange indeed to hesitate between God’s service, and that of sin and death!

3. Some are deciding.

Blessed are ye, &c.

4. Some will not.

Your ruin is inevitable.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS