31/03/2023 - THE TRIAL GET’S TOUGHER

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Turn back, my daughters, go—for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons                                                                                                    Ruth 1.12

It’s beautiful to see Ruth and Orpah’s response. It shows that Naomi was a good mother-in-law, but she still insisted that they get real. According to Naomi, there was no reason for her daughters-in-law to follow her, because there was little possibility that she would give birth to children who would take the place of those who died. But there was something that Naomi had not said, and this was important: to pray to see the divine plan in all of that situation!

This was the second trial they had been through. In the first trial, Naomi told them to return home and asked God to be kind to them. Naomi also blessed them, asking the Lord to give them rest in the house of those who would be their husbands. It was a very special moment, seeing Naomi’s love for them. They hugged each other and cried (verse 9). There would be more to come!

In our walk with our heavenly Father, we will also face difficulties that will shape our willingness to follow Him. In fact, whatever happens to us, even betrayals, should be seen as a reason to show that we love the Lord. Many people have not been taught to endure everything for the love of God, and unfortunately, when they are faced with marital betrayal – they don’t obey Him!

Paul understood that many would face difficult situations, such as marital betrayal, and spoke out: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Romans 8.35). There are people firm in the faith who go through a tragic experience and, as a result, get lost. Jesus said: Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18.8b).

Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved Him. The answer was yes, and Christ declared that Peter’s death would glorify God: Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. (John 21.18). “”Follow Me” was Christ’s command. Peter began to follow Him and as he saw John, he asked: “But Lord, what about this man?” and the answer was: If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me. (John 21.15-23). God knows everything and that is enough!

Both Orpah and Ruth told Naomi that they would certainly go with her to Bethlehem, but then – their mother-in-law extended the conversation and made them understand what their future would be (Ruth 1.11-13). Orpah then demonstrated that she did not have so much love for her mother-in-law, for she saw her future: Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. (Verse 14). In these moments, we prove who we really love!

Paul admonished Timothy: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2.15). Ruth followed Naomi and was an ancestor of Jesus. Orpah was never spoken of again!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares