Yours Will Be Mine Ruth 1:16 - Equipped for Battle

As we have watched this story develop over the last few verses, we have observed a very sorrowful Naomi bidding fair well to her daughters-in-law as she returns to her homeland. Naomi has provided ample arguments as to why the widowed Orpah and Ruth should continue in their own country and remarry, and although Orpah has decided that is what is best for her, Ruth clung to Naomi's side. In chapter one and verse sixteen we discover the resolve of Ruth to continue with Naomi where it reads:

And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave you, [or] to return from following after you: for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge: your people [shall be] my people, and your God my God:

With Ruth clinging to Naomi, Ruth now speaks for the first time in this book. She says first, “Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you:” Let us imagine this tearful plea from this daughter-in-law for a moment. How many daughters-in-law have this kind of relationship with their mother-in-law? Not many, we might venture to say, however, Ruth does. She begs Naomi to allow her to continue being with her. Ruth doesn't want to return home, and regardless of whether or not she might be remarried in her home place, she still desires to stay with Naomi. In other words, Ruth is willing to forsake all she knows and loves for a greater love which is her relationship with Naomi.

Next we learn more or Ruth's resolve. She said, “for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge” Imagine the trust within Ruth. Imagine the willingness within Ruth, and think about what kind of commitment this was on her behalf. Ruth had never been where Naomi was going, and she certainly didn't know where they would stay when they arrived. Ruth knew very little of the plan, however, she trusted in the relationship with Naomi to the point that where she went with her was of little importance compared to the relationship itself.

Ruth adds, “your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Herein lies the greatest purpose of mind within Ruth as she abandons all she has ever known in the way of relationships both fleshly and spiritually, and resigns her whole being over to Naomi's. Ruth has resolved that the value of having the relationship with Naomi exceeds every person she has ever known, every form of worship she has ever practiced, and now her life will be totally within the care of Naomi's people and God.

Many times this passage of scripture is used for a wife during wedding ceremonies. The idea is that a woman is giving up all her former relationships for the influence of the man's. What it shows us is deep commitment and resolve that is truly necessary for a relationship to last. There must be a decidedness within individuals that purposes there will be nothing that shall separate them. Though trials, misunderstandings, tragedies, etc. invade a relationship, steadfastness is determined, and quitting is not an option. This was the commitment of Ruth to Naomi, and as we continue with this story we will discover the benefits from God for all who conduct themselves in this manner.

Next time we will look at more words from Ruth concerning her purposed heart, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Naomi Further Reasons with Ruth Ruth 1:15 - Equipped for Battle

Naomi's departure is at hand, and as she ventures back to her homeland she has released her two widowed daughters-in-law to return to their homes to remarry. After much weeping and sorrow, one of the daughters-in-law has returned to her home, but the other daughter-in-law is still clinging to Naomi. In chapter one and verse fifteen we read of one final appeal from Naomi to Ruth. We read:

And she said, Behold, your sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return after your sister in law.

The argument from Naomi to Ruth and Orpah was that she was too old to remarry, have sons, and then wait for those sons to become of age to marry her daughter-in-law. This “kinsman redeemer” idea in which a brother of a deceased brother was to take up his wife as his own, bare a child with her, and name the child after his deceased brother was not an option that was believed rational. Orpah realized it, and Ruth didn't care. Ruth simply clung to Naomi. Her indifference to whether she remarried again was not entered into play. Ruth didn't want to return home. She only desired to be with Naomi.

Naomi said first, “Behold, your sister in law is gone back unto her people”. Ruth's people would have been a place of familiar ground. We don't have knowledge of family life, but we can assume that it would have been much more familiar than leaving her own country and going to an unfamiliar one. Although the appeal of familiarity may have attracted some, even Orpah, it's endearment meant little to Ruth. She clung.

Naomi continued, “and unto her gods:” which were different from her own. The Moabites had their own gods to worship. Their system of religion didn't include the Almighty God of Israel which was the God of Naomi. The Moabites worshiped “Chemosh” which was promoted for worship by Solomon in 2 Kings 11:7. Naomi believed that the LORD had visited her homeland by providing bread, and her belief in His work was enough to cause her to return home. Naomi suggested that Ruth continue in Moab, worship Chemosh, and be among her family.

Finally Naomi gave Ruth an example, “return after your sister in law.” In other words, follow in the footsteps of your sister in law. Orpah left, and this showed the simplicity of Ruth leaving too. It is almost as if Naomi expects that the returning of Orpah to her home should be stimulus enough for Ruth to leave as well, however, Ruth continued to cling.

Next time we shall discover how Ruth responded to this final appeal from Naomi, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Orpah Kisses Goodbye. Ruth Clings Ruth 1:14 - Equipped for Battle

How do we know the depth of a person's devotion? The story is told of a pig and a chicken who decided to make breakfast for their farmer. The chicken said, “I'll provide the eggs, and you provide the ham.” Obviously one of these two was to be devoted, and the other simply a contributer. As our story continues in the book of Ruth, we will discover the commitment level of Naomi's daughters-in-law. We read in Ruth chapter one and verse fourteen:

And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

This scene has been an emotional one as Naomi prepares to return to her homeland. Both of her widowed daughters-in-law have been encouraged to stay in Moab, find husbands, and forget the idea of Naomi providing another son to grow up and marry them. They have said goodbye a couple times, but today, “they lifted up their voice, and wept again:” This was to be the final goodbye. As we place ourselves in this setting we can almost feel the heartbreak that is taking place.

“And Orpah kissed her mother in law;” which by context we realize that Orpah was giving Naomi a goodbye kiss. Orpah decided to take Naomi's advice and return home. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing that Orpah go home, it just wasn't at the level of commitment demonstrated by Ruth.

We read, “but Ruth clave unto her.” The passion that Ruth had was far greater than Orpah's. She would not let her mother-in-law go. Ruth stayed by her side, held her fast, and clung to her as if to never escape her side. When we think about this for a moment, Ruth was a true convert to her mother-in-law. Usually this is not the case, but whatever the relationship was with Naomi in the past was manifested greatly by the actions of Ruth. Though it might be normal to return to her people, Ruth and Naomi's relationship exceeded the culture, religion, and background with which Ruth grew up.

Who do we cling to with such passion as Ruth? Is there anyone in this life who has such an effect upon us? We will see in the coming verses that the affection demonstrated by Ruth will advantage her in a relationship with God. Could it be that Earthly relationships are preparatory labs for the greatest relationship of all?

Next time we will discover more of this story, so read ahead, and as we do, let's consider this question, “Who do we know that we cherish in the same manner as Ruth loved Naomi?”

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Misinterpretation of the Hand of the Lord Ruth 1:13 - Equipped for Battle

Sometimes we may get the idea in our heads that we know exactly what the Lord is doing when in reality we know nothing about what He is doing. God tends to work outside our understanding, and we interpret what appears as His lack of work as Him being absent, aloof or even against us. Such is the case with Naomi. She has faced famine, moving, the death of her husband and two sons, and now she has two daughters-in-law living with her who desire to travel back to her home country. Naomi has tried to convince them to stay in their own country by telling them that for her to marry and have sons is unreasonable for them to wait, and today in chapter one and verse thirteen she produces an even stronger argument that places Naomi in a position of misinterpretation. Naomi said:

Would you tarry for them till they were grown? would you stay for them from having husbands? no, my daughters; for it grieves me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.

Naomi again appeals to her daughters-in-law's, Orpah and Ruth's, common logic: “Would you tarry for them till they were grown? Would you stay for them from having husbands?” In other words, are you going to wait for Naomi to have sons, watch those sons grow and mature, and then marry them when they become of age? Naomi is making practical sense. It would take a number of years for this process to come to fruition, and to allow for this to work both Orpah and Ruth would have to avoid being married to other husbands. It just doesn't make sense, and Naomi knows it.

However, then Naomi makes a statement that takes this understanding too far. She says, “no, my daughters; for it grieves me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” Naomi gives the reason for her plight and tragedy, “the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” Naomi feels that God is against her. She has been through trouble after trouble, and it seems that nothing but tragedy is following her. If we were in her shoes we might make the same conclusion, however, Naomi cannot see the entire plan. She cannot see what God has in store for her just a few verses away. She doesn't know that God has seen her affliction, observed her broken heart, and is preparing a platform that will amaze her down the road.

Sometimes we are like Naomi. Our circumstances are tragic, and our situations of difficulty pile upon one another over and over again. It seems that God Himself is against us, but even as it was with Naomi, God has a plan that He is working on even when we are in our darkest hour. We are not all-knowing, and He is. We are not all-powerful, and He is. We are not everywhere present, and He is, and although we may believe that the hand of the Lord is against us, we may simply be misinterpreting what seems to be terrible difficulties for God's moving us to a place of blessing.

Nonetheless, this is the argument Naomi used with Orpah and Ruth, and next time we shall see what affect her words had upon them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Practical Ways of Naomi Ruth 1:12 - Equipped for Battle

The idea of a “kinsman redeemer” was put in place by God through Moses whenever a man's brother should die before he had an offspring to carry his name. When this occurred, the next of kin was to marry the widow, have a son, and name the son after the one who died. This way the name of the deceased would live on. Such was the case for Naomi's daughters-in-law who were now widows because of the death of their husbands who were Naomi's sons. Naomi was returning home, and she decided that rather than have her daughters-in-law follow along with her, they should remain in their own country and find new husbands. Naomi continues her convincing words in verse twelve of chapter one where she says:

Turn again, my daughters, go [your way]; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, [if] I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;

Naomi's appeal for her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to stay in their homeland has already been made in our last verse, but for emphasis Naomi says, “Turn again, my daughters, go your way”. Naomi has faced tragedy with the death of her husband. She has known the heartfelt pain of burying her two sons. She cannot see the benefit to Orpah and Ruth returning to her homeland, so she tells them to “go your way.” Whenever the unseen is not considered, only the practical will do, and it just seems fitting to Naomi that her daughters-in-law stay in their own land.

Naomi then gives the argument for the two women staying, “for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should bear sons.” In other words, the practical is impractical for Naomi. Her age puts her at odds with hope. The idea of her gaining a husband the very night she is departing and having a son who could marry either of them was simply unreasonable. Naomi could only look at the child bearing facts. She was “too old”; the gestation and maturing period would be too long, and the idea of her bearing sons was to far fetched. These were ample reasons for Orpah and Ruth to stay in their homeland rather than following her.

Notice with me if you will how Naomi has appealed to what she knows to be true, however, she doesn't know everything that is true. Sometimes when we go through tragedy we only resort to what we can figure out on our own. Other ways of something being accomplished or remedied may not even cross our thoughts, and because we tend to only think according to our own plan, we sometimes lose hope. Because we see only the answers we can conceive, hope is abandoned and despair is maintained. But oh, there is more to this story. God has a plan, and He is working it out. Naomi could not see it yet, but as we continue our reading we will discover that God, and a relationship with Him, is the most important aspect of the human existence even when tragedy strikes.

Next time we will continue the discussion of Naomi with Orpah and Ruth, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Wait for Husbands? Ruth 1:11 - Equipped for Battle

The scene is one of weeping and crying as Naomi has just told her daughters-in-law to stay in their homeland rather than traveling with her back to Judah. Orpah and Ruth however have told Naomi that they would rather stay with her and leave their home than to leave Naomi, so it a time of great negotiating between this loving mother-in-law and her two deceased sons' wives. In chapter one and verse eleven we see more of the story:

And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will you go with me? [are] there yet [any more] sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

Naomi resists her daughters-in-law's offer to travel back home with her and questions, “Turn again, my daughters: why will you go with me?” In other words, Naomi refuses Orpah and Ruth's offer with reason. The insinuation is that there is no reason to go with her. The daughters-in-law might as well stay in their own country. Naomi has deemed her life miserable, and there would be no benefit to them traveling with her.

Naomi continues, “[are] there yet [any more] sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?” Naomi then asks an important question that has Hebrew law built within it. It may seem foolish to ask, “are there yet any more sons in my womb”, but Hebrew law stated:

If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. Deuteronomy 25:5

In other words, if the wife of a man died before he had children, then his brother was to marry his widow and have a child with her. This child was usually named after the man who died so his name would carry on. Naomi was appealing to her daughters-in-law's sensibility when she asked if they thought there were any more sons in her womb to fulfill this law.

Naomi continued her question, “that they may be your husbands?” Let's consider this. First, Naomi would have to remarry, then get pregnant with two boys either one at a time or twins, then hope they were boys, then raise the children until they were old enough to get married before Orpah and Ruth could have them as their husbands. Seems ridiculous doesn't it? Perhaps that is what Naomi thought as well, so we now understand her appeal to her daughters-in-law.

But let's note two things. First, this is the first reference to what is known as a “kinsman redeemer” or “goel” in the Hebrew. The “kinsman redeemer” was the man who was closest in relationship to a deceased man who was entitled to not only his wife, but also his possessions. We shall need this “kinsman redeemer” idea in later verses. Secondly, notice how Naomi appeals to her own reason as she has exhausted all other ideas. There is not an expression of God's faithfulness, God's intervention or hope for God's visitation upon her. She only has her own reason with which to appeal. So often when crisis and tragedy come into our lives we resort only to what we know rather than “who” we know. As we continue with our story in the days ahead, we will discover that Naomi had no idea what God was doing behind the scenes, however, we shall have to take up those things at another time, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Surely We Will Return Ruth 1:10 - Equipped for Battle

The crying has begun, and Naomi, Orpah and Ruth are saying their goodbyes. They have experienced great tragedy together with the death of Naomi's husband Elimelech, and Naomi's two sons who were married to Orpah and Ruth, Mahlon and Chileon. Word has come that the Lord has visited Naomi's homeland Judah, and bread is available, so she has decided to return. In yesterday's verse we saw Naomi's concern for her two daughters-in-law as she released them to stay in their homeland to find new husbands. Today we see more of their story as we discover Orpah and Ruth's first response in chapter one and verse ten where it says:

And they said unto her, Surely we will return with you unto your people.

Notice the unified response to Naomi's request for them to stay behind, “And they said unto her.” As if in a duet Orpah and Ruth give a response to Naomi. Although this is a small group how many times do we know of people in a group setting who initially agree for some formidable action? In this case, both women were agreeing to the following action at this time.

This was their agreement, “Surely we will return with you unto your people.” Orpah and Ruth are committed in this statement, “we will return”. They are resolved in the moment of passion to follow Naomi back to her homeland. If we back away from this verse a moment and imagine this scene it must have been heartbreaking. Here are three women in a passionate, departing moment, and they just can not leave one another. Their sorrows are deep, and the added measure of departing from one another only adds to the afflictions they have already endured. Even though the people of Naomi's homeland would be different than the people of Moab, the daughters-in-law were ready to leave. Even though the customs, culture and religion would be different, Orpah and Ruth were ready to leave. If we think about this, Orpah and Ruth had such a deep love for their mother-in-law that they would commit to leaving what was familiar for the unfamiliar. That is called faith.

What have we been called to leave today? Would we be as willing to leave our homeland for a relative, especially one that was produced by law rather than blood? Have we ever been in the midst of great emotion and made commitments such as Orpah and Ruth? Did we follow through on those commitments?

As we delve deeper and deeper into this story it is important that we vicariously live these real situations as they come before us. The beautiful part of this book is the reality of tragedy that it presents while setting the scene for God to demonstrate that He has been at work throughout the entire story. Next time we will continue to discover what happens with these two ladies and their mother-in-law, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Rest, Kisses, and Weeping Ruth 1:9 - Equipped for Battle

As we continue with our story in the book of Ruth, we have come to the time when Naomi is returning to her homeland Judah. She is widowed, and she has her two widowed daughters-in-law with her, Orpah and Ruth. As Naomi finally reaches her actual time for leaving, she turns to her daughters-in-law and says the following words found in Ruth chapter one and verse nine:

The LORD grant you that you may find rest, each [of you] in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

If verse eight from yesterday's study didn't have enough blessing in it for the daughters-in-law (the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me) this verse certainly does. Let's look at each part of it together.

First, “The LORD grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband.” It is obvious that Naomi has knowledge that her daughters-in-law know about the Lord. She has mentioned Him twice in two verses, and what we see here is Naomi's attempt to release her daughters-in-law to the Lord's care within new opportunities for husbands for Orpah and Ruth. In other words, she is praying a blessing upon them as they would find new husbands in their own land, and that the Lord would bring rest upon their homes. What an emotional time this must have been. Naomi, as hurt as she has been, with as much tragedy as she has faced, continues to care for her daughters-in-law. Although they might add some small amount of comfort to her, Naomi is willing to release them and bless them with the Lord's rest as she leaves Moab.

Next we read, “Then she kissed them.” This was a farewell kiss no doubt as Naomi believed herself leaving everything behind in Moab. Whenever we depart from someone for what we believe is the last time, we tend to be more passionate about our departure. No doubt this departure was extremely emotional as these people had lived together for ten years or so. It does seem that the longer people are together, the more difficult it is to leave each other. This kiss was an emotional, passionate, and releasing kiss.

Finally, we read, “and they lifted up their voice, and wept.” Oh the crying, oh the sorrow, oh the deep felt compassion that these ladies had for one another. They began to make loud noises in anguish, and they cried heavy tears with one another. The human emotions were at their peak during this difficult departure. Some events that leave us wondering if we will ever see those we love so dearly bring about this type of emotion within us, and for Naomi, Orpah and Ruth, this was one of those times.

So what do we learn from this? First, there is a place of unselfishness that we find in Naomi. Rather than think of herself, her two daughters-in-law were her priority. Second, it is wonderful to bless those with the rest of the Lord when we depart from them. Third, passionate displays of affection such as a kisses, warm handshakes or hugs are useful tools for expressing ourselves when we leave those we love. Finally, weeping is very natural when we feel a sense of loss. However, who do we think of in our lives that we would be this way with if we were to depart from them? Perhaps we should use all of these ways before our time of departure from them, and allow rest, kisses, and weeping to be a part of our lives just because we are together.

Next time we will discover the initial response from both Orpah and Ruth, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The LORD Deal Kindly with You Ruth 1:8 - Equipped for Battle

After bouts of tragedy after tragedy, Naomi has decided to return to her homeland in Judah. She only has her two daughters-in-law with her at this time, and since she has heard of the Lord's blessing upon her homeland with bread, she was going home. As she is leaving she said something to her daughters-in-law that will make a wonderful addition to our lives. It is recorded for us in the book of Ruth in chapter one and verse eight where it says:

And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.

Normally a family would stay together even when death occurs, and Naomi knew this. But her daughters-in-law were from a strange country. They had different beliefs, culture, food and ways, and to have them travel with her and leave their homeland so to speak would not be something Naomi desired. So she said, “Go, return each to her mother's house”. Familiarity is a blessing when troubles occur, and it would have been quite natural for each of these women to simply return to their homes.

Naomi then says something that is so beautiful even though she has endured tragedy. She told the girls, “the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.” What an incredible blessing this is! To desire that the LORD deal kindly with someone is one of the greatest desires that one could wish upon another. This is God, the LORD, Jehovah, Creator God, and the desire is that He would deal kindly with these daughters-in-law. The kindness of God cannot be exceeded, and there is no one so kind as He. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 117:1,2:

O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endures for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Naomi gave the reasons that she desired the Lord's kindness upon these girls, “as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.” Naomi as a mother-in-law recognized how Orpah and Ruth her daughters-in-law had been with her two sons and with her. Although it was Naomi's sons Mahlon and Chileon who had died, it was also Orpah and Ruth's husbands. They could have abandoned Naomi after the death of these two boys, but they didn't. They could have left her one by one as the sons died, but they didn't. No, Orpah and Ruth dealt kindly with Naomi, and Naomi took knowledge of it. There was not a greater blessing that Naomi could have shared with Orpah and Ruth than that the LORD deal kindly with them.

Do we bless others with the kindness of the Lord? Do we consider their kindnesses toward us? Do we take the time to stop in our own directions and purpose simply to acknowledge the effort that others make on our behalf? Perhaps as we meditate upon the tragedy of Naomi we will also think about the way she acknowledged other's efforts toward her at this trying time. When we discover the kindness of others, perhaps we may bless them with this saying, “The Lord deal kindly with you, and you have been with me.”

Next time we will continue our story with a continued blessing and reaction of Naomi as she readies to leave, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

From Where Naomi Was Ruth 1:7 - Equipped for Battle

Naomi was devastated, and her life was forever changed. She left her homeland because of a famine to travel to and live in Moab with her husband and two sons, and now all of them have passed away. She has only her two daughters-in-law with her now, and recently word has been received in Moab that the Lord has visited her homeland and food is now available. She has decided to go home. Our story continues in the book of Ruth in chapter one and verse seven where we read:

Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

Our verse today begins with, “Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was”, and as we have stated before in previous studies, whenever we read a “wherefore” in the Bible we must look to understand what it is “there for”. This particular “Wherefore” is there because in our previous verse we learned that “the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.” Food was now available in Naomi's homeland, and since she no longer had need of where she was located in Moab, she could return to her home. Her life had changed, and now she was a widow and a motherless woman. Her husband was gone. Her two sons were gone, and now the famine was gone. She decided to leave where she was to return to her familiar ground.

Next we read, “and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.” Naomi began her journey with her two daughters-in-law, and they were actually “on the way to return” to the place of Naomi's upbringing. Interesting enough, “Judah” means “praised”. Let's think about this for a moment. In order for Naomi to get back to “praised”, she had to leave her present circumstances. She needed to leave where she was which was in the place of many sorrows, to get back to her roots which were in Judah or “praised.”

Sometimes when tragedy strikes we can do nothing better than to leave where we are. We must leave our difficult positions to discover the next step that God has for us. This move may be a physical move but it is often a mental and emotional move we must make. We so often have only the view of our current situations while God is overlooking the entire plan. We have a limited view, and God has a grand view. What seems incredibly difficult to understand in one moment may be the inspiration for the next moment. For Naomi to be back in the place of praise again in her life, she had to leave the place of pain and suffering. She had no idea what was waiting for her in the future, but one thing was certain, she had to leave where she was to get there.

Although her two daughters-in-law were with her upon her initial leaving, there is more to this wonderful story coming in the next few verses, so read ahead, and we shall join together next time.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Very Fire and Very Vanity Habakkuk 2:13 - Equipped for Battle

Sometimes when we are in the midst of victories or difficulties we do not realize the significance of them until they are over. The heat of the battle often so absorbs us that we fail to understand the full implications of our actions. Such was the case of the Chaldeans. They went about their business of pride and greed and defeated city after city and nation after nation without regard to who was watching and what would take place because of it. God has been indicting them for their actions, and He adds to their charges in today's verse found in Habakkuk chapter two and verse thirteen:

Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labor in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?

Once again we have the word “Behold” employed by Habakkuk. It means “take a look”, “observe”, “pay attention to”. Habakkuk questions his readers as he points to Jehovah God “the LORD of host” while he makes his appeal on behalf of God. God is involved. God is paying attention, and as we discussed earlier in this book rather than God being uninvolved and aloof, the Heavenly Father is engaged.

Habakkuk asks, “is it not of the LORD of host that the people shall labor in the very fire”. The lusts and desires of the Chaldeans is insatiable. They are driven to get more and more and more. One conquest is not enough, and as it is with most victories, the joy from one accomplishment only leads a person to desire the next one. For example, as soon as the Super Bowl or World Series is won, commentators and players are looking toward the next one. This was the condition of the Chaldeans, except that their victories were related to life and death. They were so involved in their laboring in the very fire that they could not see themselves being consumed by it.

Habakkuk added, “and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?” It was Solomon the King of Israel who made the word “vanity” such a well known word when he wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes. He wrote in chapter one and verse two, “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.” In other words, most things in life are filled with vanity and emptiness. They are temporary, brief and fleeting. This was the way of the Chaldeans. They “wearied” themselves over activities that do not last. From one venture to the next they grew more and more tired as they labored for temporary things. The day of reckoning has arrived, and God is the attending judge. These Chaldeans who seems so victorious were being shown the real reward for their actions: laboring in the very fire of pride and greed, and wearying themselves in vanity.

What about us? Do we find ourselves laboring in the “very fire” of prideful and greedy activities? Are we driven day by day to have one victory after another which only leads to desiring another victory ahead? Are we involved in vain propositions or temporary positions that weary our souls and bodies? As we meditate upon our positions today, let us do so in light of what Jesus said about the way we should live as recorded in the gospel of John in chapter six and verse twenty-seven:

Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

We find this everlasting “meat” in the word of God and in the relationship with Him. Let us all be consumed by the riches and rest that accompany fellowship with the Heavenly Father.

Next time we will look into the future as God speaks about the way the Earth will be, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Rejoice in the Lord and Joy in God Habakkuk 3:18 - Equipped for Battle

We have been watching as Habakkuk has wondered about the workings and concern of God. After determining that there was extensive wickedness among his people, Habakkuk could not believe that God seemed unconcerned. When God told him that he was going to use the Chaldeans as His agent for judgment, as God stated to him, Habakkuk was even more challenged to understand. Finally, Habakkuk realized that “the just shall live by his faith”, and when he did not understand, God was still in control. After realizing and sharing the power and might of Almighty God, Habakkuk began in chapter three and verse seventeen sharing his resolve concerning God. We find the final portion of Habakkuk's new mindset in verse eighteen which says:

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Habakkuk wrote in verse seventeen:

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

In other words, even if everything tangible in Habakkuk's life disappears, “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD”. There is not a greater value than the relationship we may have with God. Nothing compares. Nothing exceeds, and nothing is more important than our fellowship with the Heavenly Father. Habakkuk has realized that even when he doesn't understand God, God has his best interest at heart. So it is with us. We may rejoice in the LORD even when we have material possessions or positions that are lost. We may have the confidence that we have not lost everything because we have God.

Habakkuk continued, “I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk was resolved to find his joy in the God of his salvation. Happiness is contingent upon circumstances, but joy is a fruit of God's spirit. When we purpose with our will as Habakkuk did his that our joy will be in the God of our salvation, nothing on Earth will deter us from this joy. We find our greatest state of mind is as close as the purpose of our will to align with the Almighty God and placing full and complete trust in Him. This is where true rejoicing is found, and this is where fullness of joy is complete.

So what is our resolve when things go wrong? Can we take a serious lesson from Habakkuk and learn to trust our Heavenly Father even when we do not understand? Will we find ourselves rejoicing or moaning? Will we discover ourselves complaining or having joy? May the Lord help us all to have the same resolve as Habakkuk and find ourselves rejoicing in the LORD, and having joy in the God of our salvation.

Next time we will discover Habakkuk's new source of strength and we will end our study in Habakkuk, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Naomi Returns Home Ruth 1:6 - Equipped for Battle

Naomi has been through tragedy after tragedy. She left her home country with her husband Elimelech and her two boys Mahlon and Chileon and traveled to the land of Moab. While she lived in Moab her husband died, and even though her sons found wives and she lived in the land for ten years, both of her sons died also. Now she was alone other than having two daughters-in-law, and her circumstances have found her in a precarious position. What was Naomi to do? We will discover what she did in today's verse found in Ruth chapter one and verse six:

Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.

Just at the point of despair, Naomi discovers the next step in her life. “She arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab:” It was time to go home, and even though Naomi had lived in Moab, she needed to return to the place of her heritage. Sometimes when troubles occur one of the best moves we can make is to return to our roots, to the basics, and to the foundation of what makes us who we are. Naomi took a very natural step, and decided to go back to Bethlehemjudah.

There was a reason for Naomi's decision, “for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.” There was news from home. Bread was available, and though there once was a famine, food was now within Naomi's pursuit. Not only was bread available, but “the LORD had visited his people”. Although there was a famine, God intervened, and He did so naturally by simply providing bread. Remember earlier in this chapter we made reference to the fact that God was presiding over the circumstances in which Naomi found herself. In the background, and not seemingly visible, God was working. God was developing a plan, and although Naomi had no idea what God was doing, God did.

The news of the relief of famine spread to Moab, and Naomi heard about it. Without reservation she arose with what was left of her family, her two daughters-in-law, and decided to return home. Tragedy had taken it's toll on Naomi, and she only desired to return to the place that was the most familiar to her.

Although there is much more to this story, we shall end our discussion here today. If you'd like to know more, read ahead, and we shall join together next time.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

More Tragedy and Naomi's Plight Ruth 1:5 - Equipped for Battle

Thus far in our story in the book of Ruth, Naomi has faced some very trying times. She has experienced a famine which forced her to move to a foreign land with her husband Elimelech and her two sons. Once there, Elimelech died, and now as a widow Naomi had to learn to live in this new land, Moab, with her two sons Mahlon and Chilion or Sickly and Pining. They married, and she continued with them for ten years, and then our story continues in chapter one and verse five:

And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

What? Did we just read what we read? “And Mahlon and Chileon died also both of them”? After so many tragedies now Naomi's two sons died also? We do not know how or why her sons died because the Bible is silent as to why, and when the Bible is silent it is best for us to be silent. However, Naomi was faced with the death of her husband, her two sons, and she is basically in a foreign country alone except for her two foreign daughter-in-laws.

The next words in this verse are ominous, “and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.” Why does it seem that sometimes tragedy piles upon tragedy? We might think, wasn't the absence of Naomi's husband enough? Didn't she go through enough difficulty having to move her family to a foreign land so they wouldn't starve? Why would God allow such horrific circumstances such as famine, losing her husband, and now her only two sons have died as well? Sometimes we only have to look a little while and the problems we have are small compared to others, but these are valid questions and they are worthy of asking.

The key to wrapping our minds around so much tragedy occurring in one person's life is to remember that we do not know all the story yet. We only have a limited amount of information and cannot see the future. Our view is mostly what is in front of us, and our Heavenly Father has the advantage of seeing the whole story in one glance. If the story ended here, it is tragic beyond belief, but God has a whole different ending in mind. This is where faith comes in. This is where a person becomes either a believer in God or an unbeliever in Him. It is pretty simple to believe in God when everything occurs according to our plans, however, the true believer is exposed when he or she has tragedy and sometimes tragedy upon tragedy enter their lives. Our dear woman Naomi has an opportunity to place her trust not in herself or her circumstances, but in a truly loving God even when things go wrong.

We'll have to discover what Naomi did as our story progresses, but for now, we shall continue our story next time. So, if you'd like to know in advance, read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Wives, Orpah, Ruth and Ten Years Ruth 1:4 - Equipped for Battle

We left our story in Ruth yesterday with a very somber moment in the lives of Naomi and her two sons. Her husband and the two sons father Elimelech died, and now she was located in Moab which was a strange land to her. She had fled a famine which took place in her home country, and now she was facing widowhood and being a mother alone. However, the story only begins with this part of the tragedy. We learn more today as we continue the story in chapter one and verse four:

And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one [was] Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

The two sons, Mahlon and Chilion or “sickly and pining”, “took them wives of the women of Moab.” Elimelech or “My God is King” was gone from this tiny family, and we see through the author's words that life continued after he passed. Naomi's two boys were able to find wives in this new country, and although sadness had entered into her life for a while, perhaps seeing her sons married was a pleasure for Naomi.

We are told, “the name of the one was Orpah” which means “gazelle”, and “the name of the other was Ruth” which means “friendship”. Let's stop and think about this for a moment. Here are “Sickly and Pining” who married Moabite women named “Gazelle and Friendship”. It's quite the story when you ponder it for a while, and let's not forget that “Naomi” or “Pleasantness” was the Matron within this family. It seems at least for this moment that some sense of order and normalcy has returned to Naomi's life even after her tragic loss.

We are told, “and they dwelled there about ten years.” We now have a time frame for this portion of the story. For ten years Naomi, her sons and her two new daughter in laws lived in the country of Moab. Although Hebrew children were supposed to marry other Hebrews, these two sons found women who were available where they were. Rather than follow the normal path, Mahlon and Chilion adapted to the environment they were in at the time.

For a few years it seems that Naomi will be okay, however, there is more to this wonderful story, and as we discover more of the scene, we will soon realize how Jesus Christ is part of this story as well. We will have to keep studying, and we shall take up more next time, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Elimelech Naomi's Husband Died Ruth 1:3 - Equipped for Battle

Why do people have to die? Shouldn't there be some way to prevent it from occurring? What about our own death? Are their ways that we may live that prolong it, advance it or inhibit it? And what about the survivors? What are they supposed to do when someone very close to them dies? Well, we may not answer any or all of those questions today in our study of the book of Ruth but immediately after discovering who the main characters of the first two verses are, one of them dies. We read in Ruth chapter one and verse three:

And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

So often when we read the Bible we do so with speed and without much consideration. However, let's slow down for a moment today and consider, “And Elimelech Naomi's husband died.” We know this much, Elimelech's name means “God is My King”, and we know that he moved his family to Moab when the famine began in Bethlehemjudah. Now, while the family is in a strange country and away from their people back home, Elimelech died. What was that like for Naomi? Here was the loss of her closest adult, and now in the midst of the trial of famine, she had no husband to lean on. It's as if one difficulty is piling upon another, and Naomi is left to manage this with only two sons.

Notice too that the verse continues, “and she was left, and her two sons.” Compiled upon the death of her husband, Naomi now faces being left in this strange place with her two sons. The home is different after a person like dad dies. Elimelech's ability to make a decision to move when the famine occurred will no longer be with them. Elimelech's position as leader will be felt, and now the decisions for living will be left to Naomi and her two sons. The impact was certainly felt, and the words, “and she was left” are as ominous as they may be for describing her devastation.

Although the Bible is very clear that “it is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgment” it doesn't make death any easier. As long as we live there will be death, and until the day it is finally our turn we will watch as those we know and do not know exit the stage of life. Sometimes these people will be as close to us as a spouse, father or mother, and sometimes it may even be a child. We will feel “left” as was Naomi and her two sons, and perhaps that is part of the reason this blog is necessary. We see through the Bible's words that God is impartial when it comes to death. Everyone who lives, dies, and even if there are others who are “left” who are very close to them, passing still comes.

The question becomes, “what then?” What happens to people after they die not only for those who are the deceased, but also for the survivors? As we continue our story perhaps we will find some answers, and in our answers find that there is a loving God and His Son Jesus who preside over the whole affair, so read ahead for more of the story, and we shall join together at another time.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

My God is King, Pleasantness, Sickly and Pining Ruth 1:1,2 - Equipped for Battle

We began our study in the book of Ruth yesterday by observing the time in which this story takes place, “when the judges ruled” and the conditions during the beginning of the story “there was a famine in the land.” Although there were many families affected by this famine, our attention is drawn to one, and the response of this man, his wife and two sons was to move to the country of Moab Today we shall continue the story by examining more closely who these people were, and discover there is something interesting concerning their names. We read in chapter one and verses one and two:

Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man [was] Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

The author of this book names this family beginning with the man, “Elimelech” which means, “My God is King”. Names often have meanings, and especially when we look at Bible characters there is usually meaning in their names. This man, Elimelech, was one who was deemed an Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah. Bethlehem was located in the providence known as Ephratah and like a “Floridian” if you live in Florida, this man and his family were known as Ephrathites. As we proceed through this story we might wonder if Elimelech lived up to his name. Was God really his King might be our question.

Elimelech's wife was named, “Naomi” which means “pleasantness” or “my delight”. She appears to have willingly moved to Moab with her husband during this famine, and as a faithful wife and mother she followed what was deemed best for her family at the time.

Next we consider Elimelech and Naomi's two sons, “Mahlon” and “Chilion”. “Mahlon” means “sickly” and perhaps he was a sickly child when he was born, and “Chilion” means “pining” which doesn't sound like he was much more healthy. Nonetheless, Elimelech and Naomi took their two boys to a new land to avoid the famine that was devastating the land they were living in. The writer says, “they came into the country of Moab, and continued there” so they took up their existence and livelihood in a strange land and in a strange country.

Let's think about this for a moment. Here are “My God is King”, “Pleasantness” and their two boys “Sickly” and “Pining” traveling to and lodging within a new country. Their idea was to avoid the famine, and as we consider this family it is important to remember that God was watching them during their resolve to move.

The Bible says, “in the volume of the book it is written of me” in reference to Jesus Christ, and if we are looking closely enough, somewhere within this story we will find a type and reference to Jesus. However, we shall have wait until next time to take up more of the story, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore