Ruth's Resolution

Ruth's Resolution.

RUTH 1:16. 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.

THE Things that we have the History of in this Book of Ruth, seem to be inserted into the canon of the Scripture especially on two Accounts.

1. Because Christ was of Ruth's Posterity. The Holy Ghost thought fit to take particular Notice of that Marriage of Boaz with Ruth, whence sprang the Savior of the World. We may often observe it, that the Holy Spirit that indited the Scriptures often takes Notice of little Things, minute Occurrences, that do but remotely relate to Jesus Christ.

Secondly, Because this History seems to be typical of the Calling of the Gentile Church, and indeed of the Conversion of every Believer. Ruth was not originally of Israel, but was a Moabitess and Alien from the Common-wealth of Israel: But she forsook her own People, and the Idols of the Gentiles, to worship the God of Israel, and to join herself to that People: Herein she seems to be a Type of the Gentile Church, and also of every sincere convert. Ruth was the Mother of Christ; he came of her Posterity: so the Church is Christ's Mother, as she is represented Revelation 12 at the Beginning. And so also is every true Christian his Mother. Matthew 12:50. Whoever shall do the Will of my Father which is in Heaven, the same is my Brother, Sister and Mother. Christ is what the Soul of every one of the elect is in Travail with, in the new Birth. Ruth forsook all her natural Relations, and her own Country, the Land of her Nativity, and all her former Possessions there, for the sake of the God of Israel; as every true Christian forsakes all for Christ Psalm 45:10. Hearken O Daughter, and consider and incline your Ear; forget also your own People, and your Father's House.

Naomi was now returning out of the Land of Moab, into the Land of Israel, with her two Daughters-in-law, Orpha and Ruth, who well represent to us two Sorts of Professors of Religion; Orpha that Sort that indeed make a fair Profession, and seem to set out well, but endure but for a while, and then turn back; Ruth that Sort that are sound and sincere, and therefore are steadfast and persevering in the Way that they have set out in. Naomi in the preceding Verses represents to these her Daughters the Difficulties of their leaving their own Country to go with her. And in this Verse may be observed.

1. The remarkable Conduct and Behavior of Ruth on this Occasion; with what inflexible Resolution she cleaves to Naomi and follows her. When Naomi first arose to return from the Country of Moab into the Land of Israel, Orpha and Ruth both set out with her; and Naomi exhorts them both to return: And they both of them wept, and seemed as if they could not bear the Thoughts of leaving her, and appeared as if they were resolved to go with her. Verse 10. And they said unto her, surely we will return with you unto your People. Then Naomi says to them again, Turn again my Daughters, go your Way, etc. And then they were greatly affected again, and Orpha returned and went back. Now Ruth's Steadfastness in her Purpose had a greater Trial, but yet is not overcome She clung unto her, Verse 14. Then Naomi speaks to her again. Verse 15. Behold your Sister-in-law is gone back to her People, and unto her Gods: return after your Sister-in-law. And then she shows her immovable Resolution in the Text and following Verse.

2. I would particularly observe that wherein the Virtuousness of this her Resolution consists, namely That it was for the Sake of the God of Israel, and that she might be one of his People that she was thus resolved to cleave to Naomi. Your People shall be my People, and your God my God. It was for God's Sake that she did thus; and therefore her so doing is afterwards spoken of as a Virtuous Behavior in her. Chapter 2:11-12. And Boaz answered and said unto her, it has fully been showed me all that you have done unto your Mother-in-law, since the Death of your Husband, and how you have left your Father and your Mother, and the Land of your Nativity, and have come unto a People which you knew not heretofore. The Lord recompense your Work, and a full Reward be given you of the Lord God of Israel, under whose Wings you have come to trust. She left her Father and Mother, and the Land of her Nativity, to come and trust under the Shadow of God's Wings; and she had indeed a full Reward given her, as Boaz wished; for besides immediate spiritual Blessings to her own Soul and eternal Rewards in another World, she was rewarded with plentiful and prosperous outward Circumstances, in the Family of Boaz: and God raised up David and Solomon of her Seed, and established the Crown of Israel (the People that she chose before her own People) in her Posterity, and (which is much more) of her Seed he raised up Jesus Christ, in whom all the Families of the Earth are blessed.

From the Words thus opened, I observe this for the Subject of my present Discourse.

When those that we have formerly been conversant with, are turning to God and joining themselves to his People, it ought to be our firm Resolution that we will not leave them: but that their People shall be our People, and their God our God.

It is sometimes so, that of those that have been conversant one with another that have dwelt together as Neighbours, and have been often together as Companions, or have been united in near Relation, and have been together in Darkness, Bondage and Misery, in the Service of Satan some are enlightened and have their Minds changed, are made to see the great End of Sin, and have their Hearts turned to God, and are influenced by the Holy Spirit of God to leave their Company that are on Satan's Side, to go it join themselves with that blessed Company that are on Christ's Side: they are made willing to forsake the Tents of Wickedness, to dwell in the Land of Uprightness with the People of God.

And sometimes this proves a final Parting or Separation between them and those that they have been formerly conversant with. Though it may be no parting in outward Respects, they may still dwell together and may converse one with another; yet in other Respects it sets them at a great distance one from another: One is a Child of God, and the Other the Enemy of God: One is in a miserable and the Other in a happy Condition; One is a Citizen of the heavenly Zion, the Other is under Condemnation to Hell. They are no longer together in those Respects wherein they used to be together: They used to be of one Mind to serve Sin, and do Satan's Work: now they are of contrary Minds: They used to be together in Worldliness, and in Vanity, now they are of exceeding different Dispositions. They are separated as they are in different Kingdoms: the One remains in the Kingdom of Darkness, the Other is translated into the Kingdom of God's dear Son: And sometimes they are finally separated in these Respects: While One dwells in the Land of Israel, and in the House of God; the Other, like Orpha lives and dies in the Land of Moab.

Now it is lamentable when it is thus: It is awful being parted so: It is doleful, when those that have formerly been together in Sin, some turn to God and join themselves with his People, that it should prove a parting between them and their former Companions and Acquaintance. It should be our firm and inflexible Resolution in such a Case, that it shall be no parting, but that we will follow them, that their People shall be our People, and their God our God; and that for the following Reasons.

1. Because their God is a glorious God. There is none like him, who is infinite in Glory and Excellency. He is the most high God glorious in Holiness fearful in Praises, doing Wonders. His Name is excellent in all the Earth, and his Glory is above the Earth and the Heavens: Among the Gods there is none like unto him; there is none in Heaven that can be compared to him, neither are there any among the Sons of the Mighty to be likened unto him. Their God is the Fountain of all Good, and an inexhaustible Fountain; he is all-sufficient, a God that is able to protect and defend them and to do all Things for them: He is the King of Glory the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in Battle: A strong Tower and Defence. There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides upon the Heaven in their Help, and in his Excellency in the Sky: The Eternal God is their Refuge, and underneath are the everlasting Arms: He is a God that has all Things in his Hands, to do as he pleases: He kills, and makes alive; he brings down to the Grave, and brings up. The Pillars of the Earth are the Lord's. Their God is an infinitely holy God. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any Rock like our God. He is good and merciful. But this is a God that delights in Mercy; his Mercy is infinite and endures forever. He is the Fountain and Ocean of it.

Such a God is their God! Such is the Excellency of Jacob! Such is the God of them that forsake their Sins and are converted! They have made a happy Choice who have chosen this God for their God. They have made a happy Exchange indeed that have exchanged Sin and the World for such a God! They have an excellent and glorious Savior, who is the only begotten Son of God; the Brightness of his Father's Glory; One in whom God from Eternity had infinite Delight: A Savior of infinite Love; One that has shed his own Blood, and made his Soul an Offering for their Sins; and One that is able to save them to the uttermost.

II. Their People are an excellent and happy People. God has renewed them, and stamped his own Image upon them and made them Partakers of his Holiness. They are more excellent than their Neighbours. Proverbs 12:26. Yea, they are the excellent of the Earth, Psalm 16:3. They are lovely in the Sight of the Angels; and they have their Souls adorned with those Graces, that in the Sight of God himself are of great Price.

The People of God are the most excellent and happy Society in the World. That God whom they have chosen for their God, is their Father; he has pardoned all their Sins, and they are at Peace with him; and he has admitted them to all the Privileges of his Children. As they have devoted themselves to God, so God has given himself to them: He is become their Salvation and their Portion: His Power and Mercy, and all his Attributes are theirs. They are in a safe State, free from all Possibility of perishing: Satan has no Power to destroy them. God carries them on Eagle's Wings, far above Satan's Reach, and above the Reach of all the Enemies of their Souls. God is with them in this World; they have his gracious Presence; God is for them, who then can be against them? As the Mountains are round about Jerusalem, so JEHOVAH is round about them. God is their Shield, and their exceeding great Reward; and their Fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ: and they have the divine Promise and Oath, that in the World to come they shall dwell forever in the glorious Presence of God.

It may well be sufficient to induce us to resolve to cleave to those that forsake their Sins and Idols, to join themselves with this People, that God is with them. Zechariah 8:23. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, in those Days it shall come to pass, that ten Men shall take hold, out of all Languages of the Nations: even shall take hold of the Skirt of him that is a Jew, saying. We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you. So should Persons as it were take hold of the Skirt of their Neighbours and Companions that have turned to God, and resolve that they will go with them, because God is with them.

3 Happiness is nowhere else to be had, but in their God, and with their People. There are that are called gods many, and lords many. Some make gods of their pleasures; some choose Mammon for their God; some make gods of their own supposed excellencies, or the outward advantages they have above their neighbors; some choose one thing for their God, and others another: But men can be happy in no other God but the God of Israel. He is the only Fountain of Happiness. Other gods cannot help in calamity; nor can any of them afford what the poor empty soul stands in need of. Let men adore those other gods never so much, and call upon them never so earnestly, and serve them never so diligently, they will nevertheless remain poor, wretched, unsatisfied, undone creatures. All other people are miserable, but that people whose God is the Lord. The world is divided into two societies: There are the People of God, the little Flock of Jesus Christ, that company that we read of Revelation 14:4. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins: These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth: These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And there are those that belong to the Kingdom of Darkness; that are without Christ, being aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. All that are of this latter company, are wretched and undone; they are the enemies of God, and under His wrath and condemnation: They are the Devil's slaves, that serve him blindfold, and are befooled and ensnared by him, and hurried along in the broad way to eternal perdition.

4. When those that we have formerly been conversant with, are turning to God, and to His People, their Example ought to influence us. Their example should be looked upon as the call of God to us, to do as they have done. God, when He changes the heart of one, calls upon another; especially does He loudly call on those that have been their friends and acquaintance. We have been influenced by their examples in evil, and shall we cease to follow them when they make the wisest choice that ever they made, and do the best thing that ever he did? If we have been companions with them in worldliness, in vanity, in unprofitable and sinful conversation, it will be an hard case, if there must be a parting now, because we be not willing to be companions with them in holiness, and true happiness. Men are greatly influenced by seeing one another's prosperity in other things. If those that they have been much conversant with, grow rich, and obtain any great earthly advantages, it awakens their ambition and eager desire after the like prosperity: How much more should they be influenced, and stirred up to follow them, and be like them, when they obtain that spiritual and eternal happiness that is infinitely more worth than all the prosperity and glory of this world.

5. Our resolutions to cleave to and follow those that are turning to God, and joining themselves to His People, ought to be fixed and strong, because of the great difficulty of it. If we will cleave to them, and have their God for our God, and their People for our People we must mortify and deny all our lusts, and cross every evil appetite and inclination, and forever part with all sin. But our lusts are many and violent. Sin is naturally exceeding dear to us; to part with it is compared to plucking out our right eyes. Men may refrain from wonted ways of sin for a little while, and may deny their lusts in a partial degree, with less difficulty; but it is heart-rending work finally to part with all sin, and give our dearest lusts a bill of divorce, utterly to send them away. But this we must do if we would follow those that are truly turning to God: Yea, we must not only forsake sin, but must, in a sense, forsake all the world, Luke 14:33 Whosoever he be of you, that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. That is, he must forsake all in his heart, and must come to a thorough disposition and readiness, actually to quit all for God, and the glorious spiritual privileges of His People, whenever the case may require it; and that without any prospect of anything of the like nature, or any worldly thing whatsoever to make amends for it; and all to go into a strange country, a land that has hitherto been unseen; like Abraham, who being called of God, went out of his own country, and from his kindred, and from his Father's house, for a land that God would show him, not knowing whither he went.

Thus it was a hard thing for Ruth to forsake her native country, and her father and mother, her kindred and acquaintance, and all the pleasant things she had in the land of Moab, to dwell in the land of Israel, where she had never been. Naomi told her of the difficulties once and again. They were too hard for her sister Orpha; the consideration of them turned her back after she was set out. Her resolution was not firm enough to overcome them. But so firmly resolved was Ruth that she broke through all; she was steadfast in it, that let the difficulty be what it would, she would not leave her mother-in-law. So persons had need to be very firm in their resolution to conquer the difficulties that are in the way of cleaving to them that are indeed turning from sin to God.

6. Our cleaving to them, and having their God for our God, and their People for our People depends on our resolution and choice: And that in two respects.

1 The firmness of resolution in using means in order to it, is the Way to have means effectual. There are means appointed in order to our becoming some of the true Israel, and having their God for our God; and the thorough use of these means is the way to have success; but not a slack or flighty use of them. And that we may be thorough, there is need of strength of resolution, a firm and inflexible disposition and bent of mind to be universal in the use of means, and to do what we do with our might, and to persevere in it Matthew 11:12 The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force.

2 A choosing of their God, and their People with a full determination, and with the whole soul is the condition of an union with them. God gives every man his choice in this matter; as Orpha and Ruth had their choice, whether they would go with Naomi into the land of Israel, or stay in the land of Moab. A natural man may choose deliverance from hell: but no man doth ever heartily choose God and Christ and the spiritual benefits that Christ has purchased, and the happiness of God's People till he is converted. On the contrary, he is averse to them; he has no relish of them; and is wholly ignorant of the inestimable worth and value of them.

Many carnal men do seem to choose these things, but do it not really; as Orpha seemed at first to choose to forsake Moab to go into the land of Israel: But when Naomi came to set before her the difficulty of it, she went back; and thereby showed that she was not fully determined in her choice, and that her whole soul was not in it as Ruth's was.

Finis.

Ruth's Resolution.

Ruth 1:16. And Ruth said, do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

The events recorded in this Book of Ruth seem to have been included in Scripture for two main reasons.

1. Because Christ came from Ruth's descendants. The Holy Spirit chose to draw special attention to the marriage of Boaz and Ruth, from which the Savior of the world descended. We can often see that the Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures frequently highlights small details and minor events that are only distantly connected to Jesus Christ.

Second, because this story appears to be a picture of the calling of the Gentile Church, and really of the conversion of every believer. Ruth was not originally from Israel but was a Moabitess and a foreigner to the nation of Israel. Yet she left her own people and the idols of the Gentiles to worship the God of Israel and to join herself to His people. In this way, she seems to be a type of the Gentile Church, and also of every sincere convert. Ruth was the mother of Christ; He came from her descendants. In the same way, the Church is Christ's mother, as she is pictured in Revelation 12 at the beginning. Every true Christian is also His mother. Matthew 12:50. Whoever does the will of My Father who is in Heaven, that person is My brother, sister, and mother. Christ is what the soul of every one of the elect labors to bring forth in the new birth. Ruth gave up all her natural relatives, her own country and birthplace, and all her former possessions there for the sake of the God of Israel. Every true Christian gives up everything for Christ. Psalm 45:10. Listen, O daughter, and pay attention and turn your ear; forget also your own people and your father's house.

Naomi was returning from the land of Moab to the land of Israel with her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. These two women represent for us two kinds of people who profess religion. Orpah represents the kind who make a good profession and seem to start well, but only last for a while before turning back. Ruth represents the kind who are genuine and sincere, and therefore remain steadfast and persistent on the path they have chosen. In the verses before this one, Naomi explains to her daughters the hardships of leaving their own country to go with her. In this verse, we can observe the following.

1. The remarkable conduct and behavior of Ruth on this occasion, and the unshakable determination with which she held on to Naomi and followed her. When Naomi first set out to return from Moab to the land of Israel, both Orpah and Ruth went with her. Naomi urged them both to go back. They both wept and seemed unable to bear the thought of leaving her, and appeared determined to go with her. Verse 10. And they said to her, surely we will return with you to your people. Then Naomi said to them again, Turn back, my daughters, go your way, and so on. They were deeply moved again, and Orpah turned around and went back. Now Ruth's steadfastness faced an even greater test, but she was not overcome. She clung to her, Verse 14. Then Naomi spoke to her again. Verse 15. Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law. Then Ruth showed her unshakable determination in the text and the following verse.

2. I would especially point out what made this resolution so virtuous: namely, that it was for the sake of the God of Israel, and so that she might be one of His people, that she was so determined to stay with Naomi. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. She did this for God's sake, and so her actions are later described as virtuous. Chapter 2:11-12. And Boaz answered and said to her, I have been fully told all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge. She left her father and mother and the land of her birth to come and take refuge under the shadow of God's wings. She truly received a full reward, just as Boaz wished. Beyond the immediate spiritual blessings to her own soul and eternal rewards in another world, she was rewarded with abundant and prosperous earthly circumstances in the family of Boaz. God raised up David and Solomon from her descendants and established the crown of Israel (the people she chose over her own people) in her family line. And what is far greater, from her descendants He raised up Jesus Christ, in whom all the families of the earth are blessed.

From these words, as I have explained them, I draw the following theme for my present sermon.

When people we have been closely connected with are turning to God and joining themselves to His people, it should be our firm resolution that we will not leave them, but that their people shall be our people, and their God our God.

Sometimes among people who have been closely connected with one another -- who have lived together as neighbors, spent time together as companions, been united in close relationships, and shared in darkness, bondage, and misery while serving Satan -- some are enlightened and have their minds changed. They are made to see the terrible end of sin, and their hearts are turned to God. They are moved by the Holy Spirit to leave the company of those on Satan's side and join themselves to the blessed company on Christ's side. They become willing to abandon the tents of wickedness and live in the land of righteousness with the people of God.

Sometimes this becomes a permanent parting or separation between them and those they were formerly connected with. It may not be a physical separation -- they may still live together and talk with one another. Yet in other ways it puts a vast distance between them. One is a child of God, and the other is an enemy of God. One is in a miserable condition, and the other is in a happy one. One is a citizen of the heavenly Zion, and the other is under condemnation to Hell. They are no longer together in the ways they once were. They used to share one mind in serving sin and doing Satan's work. Now they hold opposite views. They used to share in worldliness and vanity. Now they have completely different attitudes. They are separated as if they belong to different kingdoms. One remains in the kingdom of darkness, while the other has been brought into the kingdom of God's dear Son. Sometimes this separation becomes permanent. While one lives in the land of Israel and in the house of God, the other, like Orpah, lives and dies in the land of Moab.

This is a heartbreaking situation. Being separated this way is dreadful. It is deeply sad when some who were formerly together in sin turn to God and join themselves with His people, and it becomes a permanent divide between them and their former companions and friends. Our firm and unwavering resolution in such a situation should be that it will not be a permanent parting. We will follow them. Their people shall be our people, and their God our God. Here are the reasons why.

1. Because their God is a glorious God. There is no one like Him, for He is infinite in glory and excellence. He is the most high God, glorious in holiness, awesome in praises, and doing wonders. His name is excellent in all the earth, and His glory is above the earth and the heavens. Among the gods there is none like Him. There is none in heaven who can be compared to Him, and none among the mighty who can be likened to Him. Their God is the fountain of all good and an inexhaustible fountain. He is all-sufficient, a God who is able to protect and defend them and to do all things for them. He is the King of glory, the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle -- a strong tower and defense. There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help them, and on the skies in His majesty. The Eternal God is their refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He is a God who holds all things in His hands to do as He pleases. He kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and raises up. The pillars of the earth are the Lord's. Their God is an infinitely holy God. There is no one holy as the Lord, for there is none besides You, and there is no rock like our God. He is good and merciful. He is a God who delights in mercy. His mercy is infinite and endures forever. He is the fountain and ocean of it.

Such a God is their God! Such is the excellence of Jacob! Such is the God of those who forsake their sins and are converted! They have made a happy choice who have chosen this God as their God. They have made a happy exchange indeed -- trading sin and the world for such a God! They have an excellent and glorious Savior, who is the only begotten Son of God, the brightness of His Father's glory. He is One in whom God from eternity had infinite delight -- a Savior of infinite love, One who shed His own blood and made His soul an offering for their sins, and One who is able to save them completely.

II. Their people are an excellent and happy people. God has renewed them, stamped His own image on them, and made them partakers of His holiness. They are more excellent than their neighbors. Proverbs 12:26. Indeed, they are the excellent of the earth, Psalm 16:3. They are lovely in the sight of the angels, and their souls are adorned with graces that in the sight of God Himself are of great value.

The people of God are the most excellent and happy community in the world. The God they have chosen as their God is their Father. He has pardoned all their sins, and they are at peace with Him. He has given them all the privileges of His children. Just as they have devoted themselves to God, so God has given Himself to them. He has become their salvation and their portion. His power and mercy and all His attributes are theirs. They are in a safe state, free from any possibility of perishing. Satan has no power to destroy them. God carries them on eagle's wings, far above Satan's reach and above the reach of all the enemies of their souls. God is with them in this world. They have His gracious presence. God is for them -- who then can be against them? As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds them. God is their shield and their exceedingly great reward. Their fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. They have the divine promise and oath that in the world to come they shall live forever in the glorious presence of God.

It should be more than enough to persuade us to hold on to those who forsake their sins and idols and join themselves with this people, knowing that God is with them. Zechariah 8:23. Thus says the Lord of Hosts: In those days it shall come to pass that ten men from all the languages of the nations shall take hold of the garment of a Jew, saying, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. In the same way, people should take hold of their neighbors and companions who have turned to God, and resolve that they will go with them, because God is with them.

3. Happiness cannot be found anywhere else except in their God and with their people. There are many so-called gods and lords. Some make gods of their pleasures. Some choose money as their god. Some make gods of their own supposed qualities or the outward advantages they have over their neighbors. Some choose one thing for their god, and others choose another. But no one can be happy in any god other than the God of Israel. He is the only source of happiness. Other gods cannot help in times of trouble, and none of them can provide what the poor, empty soul truly needs. No matter how much people worship those other gods, call on them, or serve them, they will still remain poor, wretched, unsatisfied, and ruined. All other people are miserable except those whose God is the Lord. The world is divided into two groups. There are the people of God, the little flock of Jesus Christ, the company we read about in Revelation 14:4. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And there are those who belong to the kingdom of darkness -- who are without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. All who belong to this second group are wretched and ruined. They are the enemies of God and are under His wrath and condemnation. They are the Devil's slaves, serving him blindly, deceived and trapped by him, and dragged along the broad road to eternal destruction.

4. When those we have been closely connected with are turning to God and to His people, their example should move us. Their example should be seen as God's call to us to do the same. When God changes one person's heart, He calls another -- especially those who have been their friends and acquaintances. We have been influenced by their examples in evil. Will we stop following them now, when they make the wisest choice they have ever made and do the best thing they have ever done? If we have been their companions in worldliness, vanity, and worthless and sinful conversation, it will be a hard situation if we must now be separated, simply because we are not willing to be their companions in holiness and true happiness. People are greatly influenced when they see others prosper in worldly matters. When those they have spent time with grow rich or gain some great earthly advantage, it stirs up ambition and eager desire for the same success. How much more should they be moved and stirred up to follow them when they gain spiritual and eternal happiness that is infinitely more valuable than all the prosperity and glory of this world!

5. Our determination to hold on to and follow those who are turning to God and joining His people should be firm and strong, because the difficulty of it is so great. If we will hold on to them and have their God as our God and their people as our people, we must put to death and deny all our sinful desires, resist every evil appetite and inclination, and permanently part with all sin. But our sinful desires are many and fierce. Sin is naturally extremely precious to us. Parting with it is compared to plucking out our right eyes. People may hold back from their usual patterns of sin for a little while and may deny their desires to some degree without too much difficulty. But it is agonizing work to finally part with all sin and send away our most cherished desires for good. Yet this is what we must do if we would follow those who are truly turning to God. Indeed, we must not only forsake sin but must, in a sense, forsake the entire world. Luke 14:33: Whoever does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. That means we must forsake everything in our hearts and come to a complete willingness and readiness to actually give up everything for God and the glorious spiritual privileges of His people, whenever the situation requires it -- and all without any prospect of anything similar or any worldly thing to make up for it. We must go into a strange country, a land we have never seen -- like Abraham, who was called by God and went out of his own country, away from his relatives and from his father's house, to a land that God would show him, not knowing where he was going.

It was a hard thing for Ruth to leave her homeland, her father and mother, her relatives and friends, and all the pleasant things she had in the land of Moab to go live in the land of Israel, where she had never been. Naomi told her about the difficulties more than once. They were too much for her sister Orpah -- the thought of them turned her back after she had already set out. Her determination was not strong enough to overcome them. But Ruth was so firmly resolved that she pushed through everything. She was steadfast in her decision that no matter how great the difficulty, she would not leave her mother-in-law. In the same way, people need to be very firm in their determination to overcome the difficulties that stand in the way of holding on to those who are truly turning from sin to God.

6. Our holding on to them, and having their God as our God and their people as our people, depends on our resolution and choice -- in two ways.

1. Firm determination in using the means God has provided is the way to make those means effective. There are means God has appointed for us to become part of the true Israel and to have their God as our God. Using these means thoroughly is the path to success -- not a lazy or half-hearted use of them. To be thorough, we need strength of determination -- a firm and unshakable commitment to use every means available, to do what we do with all our might, and to keep going without stopping. Matthew 11:12: The kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

2. Choosing their God and their people with full determination and with the whole soul is the condition of being united with them. God gives every person a choice in this matter, just as Orpah and Ruth had their choice whether to go with Naomi to the land of Israel or stay in the land of Moab. An unconverted person may choose to be delivered from Hell, but no one ever genuinely chooses God, Christ, the spiritual blessings that Christ has purchased, and the happiness of God's people until that person is converted. On the contrary, the unconverted person is opposed to these things, has no taste for them, and is completely unaware of their immeasurable worth and value.

Many worldly people seem to choose these things, but they do not truly choose them. Orpah seemed at first to choose to leave Moab and go to the land of Israel. But when Naomi laid out the difficulty of it, she went back. This showed that she was not fully committed in her choice and that her whole soul was not in it the way Ruth's was.

The End.