TAKING REFUGE UNDER HIS WINGS
Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on December 15, 2010 under AM Bible Study |
AM Bible Study Group; December 15, 2010
Ruth 1:6-18
Theme: God blesses those who seek refuge under the wings of the Kinsman-Redeemer.
The suffering survivors of the family of Elimelech had spent ten years in the land of Moab—far from their home in Bethlehem. And Naomi—the dead man’s wife—clearly felt a sense of God’s hand upon her for it all (see vv. 13, 20-21). Her time spent in the land of the Gentiles gives us a picture of the need for a Kinsman-Redeemer. Now; in verses 6-18, we see that need brought into clear view.
But the thing that stands out for us the most in these verses is the devotion of Ruth—who forsook all, and yielded herself completely to the hope of the God of Israel. She is a picture of those of us from among the Gentile world who forsake all and put our hope in the “Hope of Israel”, taking our refuge in the Messiah Jesus.
I. THE RETURN TO THE LAND OF JUDAH (vv. 6-14a).
A. The two widowed Moabite women—Orpah and Ruth—clearly loved their widowed mother-in-law Naomi. And they were also kind to their deceased husbands—probably showing them much loyalty and love during their times of illness. Yet, in the course of things, they lost all and had nothing (see v. 21). And so, when news came that God had once again provided food for His people in Judah, they arose to go with her when she sought to return to her homeland (vv. 6-7). This shows Naomi’s abiding faith in God— that she would still seek good from Him even though she was in the land of the unbelievers. But what a sad sight these three destitute widows must have been!
B. Along the way, Naomi felt the strong conviction that the two young girls still had much life ahead of them; and so she urged them to return to their mother’s home. She said, “The LORD deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The LORD grant that you may find rest, each in the home of her husband” (vv. 8-9). And here, we can take it that she means “rest” in the home of new husbands—with a new family and a new future somewhere in their former homeland of Moab. This was very loving of Naomi. She knew that she could provide nothing for them; and even though they loved her, she urged them to go back to the place where they could have the prospect of provision and care. Clearly they all felt great love for one another; “So, she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept” (v. 9).
C. But note that they argue with Naomi about her proposal that they return to Moab (v. 10). They expressed the desire to return with her to her people” (v. 10). Their desire was mostly an expression of commitment to Naomi; and she argued against it on the basis that:
1. She had no further ability to provide husbands for them according to the law (vv. 11- 12a; see also Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Matthew 22:24-28). This was God’s provision— according to the law—for the care of those who were widowed. And here, we’re given the first hint in the story of the deep need they had for a Kinsman-Redeemer.
2. Even if she could have more children, they most likely wouldn’t wait for them to become their husbands (vv. 12b-13a; see also Genesis 38:1-30). Imagine waiting as you watched your future husband growing up from infancy! And imagine the pressure that would be brought on that poor child!
3. Her own sense of punishment under the hand of God (v. 13b; see Judges 2:11-15).
D. Naomi clearly loved her two Moabite daughters-in-law. She called them “daughters” repeatedly (see vv. 11, 12, 13). But in the end Orpah returned to her home in Moab, while Ruth remained.
II. THE DEVOTION OF A GENTILE TO THE GOD OF JUDAH (vv. 14b-18).
A. What a contrast Ruth (“Friend”) presents to Orpah (“Strong-Necked”). Naomi urged her to follow Orpah and return “to her people and to her gods” (v. 15). And it may even be that, in some sense, Naomi was testing Ruth’s resolve. If so, then Orpah represented the mere “professor”, while Ruth represented the actual “possessor” of faith in the God of Israel. We hear nothing more of Orpah; but we will forever celebrate the choice of Ruth (see Matthew 1:5)! We’re told that Ruth “clung” to Naomi (see John 20:17). Ruth made a complete break from her people through seven expressions of commitment—all of which can be summed up under the following:
1. To actually “be” with Naomi in every respect—even to the point of death (see John 11:16; Luke 22:33).
2. To make Naomi’s people and God her people and God. This was nothing less than coming completely under the wings of the God of Israel (see Ruth 2:11-12).
3. To confirm her resolve with an exceptionally strong oath (see 1 Samuel 3:17; 25:22; 1 Kings 2:23).
B. There was nothing left for Naomi to do in the face of such a commitment. When she saw that Ruth was determined to go with her to Judah, she stopped trying to talk her out of it and fully embraced her in union with herself. Together, they went to Bethlehem (v. 19), where their Redeemer would later be found!
* * * * * * * * * *
There are many wonderful pictures in these few verses of God’s grace to us through His Son Jesus Christ. Note in this story how the need for a Kinsman-Redeemer is raised. Naomi admits that she cannot provide any additional sons to be the husbands for her widowed daughters. But one is clearly needed—and later was clearly provided (compare Ruth 2:20 with Galatians 4:3-5).
Note also the faith that Ruth exhibits in trusting in the God of Naomi to provide. She truly left all to follow to where the God of Israel could show her favor (compare Ruth 1:16-17 and 2:11 with Luke 14:26-33). But even though she left all, she received all and more in return (compare Ruth 4:13-17 with Matthew 19:27-29).
Finally, note that Ruth’s commitment to the people and the God of Naomi is a picture of the believing Gentile’s union by faith with the covenant promises to Israel through Jesus Christ (compare Ruth 2:12-13 with Ephesians 2:11-18).
