At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. - Ruth 1:14 -
Both of them had an affection for Naomi.
They set out with Naomi on her return to the land of Judah.
But Naomi unselfishly set before each of them the trials which awaited them.
She bade them to return to their Moabitish friends so that they could enjoy ease and comfort.
At first both of them declared that they would be with the Lord's people.
But upon further consideration, Orpah with much grief and a respectful kiss left her mother in law, and her people, and her God, and went back to her idolatrous friends.
Ruth, with all her heart gave herself up to the God of her mother in law.
It is one thing to love the ways of the Lord when all is fair.
It is quite another to cleave to them under all discouragements and difficulties.
The kiss of outward profession is very cheap and easy.
The practical cleaving to the Lord, which must show itself in holy decision for truth and holiness, is not a small matter.
How about us?
Is our heart fixed upon Jesus?
Are we ready to suffer all worldly loss for the Master's sake?
Orpah is heard of no more.
In ease and pleasure her life melts into the gloom of death.
But Ruth lives in history and in heaven.
Grace has placed her in the noble line.
Blessed among women shall those be who for Christ's sake can renounce all.
May the Holy Spirit work in us and cleave our whole heart to our Lord Jesus.
Both of them had an affection for Naomi.
They set out with Naomi on her return to the land of Judah.
But Naomi unselfishly set before each of them the trials which awaited them.
She bade them to return to their Moabitish friends so that they could enjoy ease and comfort.
At first both of them declared that they would be with the Lord's people.
But upon further consideration, Orpah with much grief and a respectful kiss left her mother in law, and her people, and her God, and went back to her idolatrous friends.
Ruth, with all her heart gave herself up to the God of her mother in law.
It is one thing to love the ways of the Lord when all is fair.
It is quite another to cleave to them under all discouragements and difficulties.
The kiss of outward profession is very cheap and easy.
The practical cleaving to the Lord, which must show itself in holy decision for truth and holiness, is not a small matter.
How about us?
Is our heart fixed upon Jesus?
Are we ready to suffer all worldly loss for the Master's sake?
Orpah is heard of no more.
In ease and pleasure her life melts into the gloom of death.
But Ruth lives in history and in heaven.
Grace has placed her in the noble line.
Blessed among women shall those be who for Christ's sake can renounce all.
May the Holy Spirit work in us and cleave our whole heart to our Lord Jesus.
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