Faith is tested by the choices we make, as seen in Naomi’s daughters-in-law. After the deaths of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to head back home to Bethlehem. The three women readied themselves for the trip and started down the road.
Ruth 1:8 But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept. 10 “No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people.” [1]
It is interesting that both women declare they want to go with Ruth. Weeping would have indicated their grief at another separation. This time, instead of separating from their husbands, it was from their mother-in-law. They may have been expressing their grief over this farewell through denial.
Follow Common Sense
It was evident that Orpah and Ruth both loved Naomi, but common sense dictated that the two Moabite women stay in their own culture so they could remarry. Remember, a woman in that culture had no way to support herself without a male, unless she begged or became a prostitute. Naomi also reminded them that she couldn’t provide them with husbands.
Ruth 1:11 But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? 12 No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? 13 Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.” [2]
Our Priorities are Visible in Choices
Naomi had urged both daughters-in-law to return to their own people rather than accompany her to Bethlehem. They were still young and had a chance to start over. It seemed that God was against her, and if they stayed, perhaps her bitterness would infect them. From the world’s point of view, Orpah’s choice was the rational one. It would be risky to go to a foreign country.
However, Ruth remained loyal to Naomi. Ruth 1:14 And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi.[3] Ruth’s priorities were different from Orpah’s. As we move forward in the story, we never hear from Orpah again. But Ruth will be included in Jesus’ genealogy.
It seems that even though Ruth had experienced hardships in life, instead of blaming God, she had come to trust Him. Ruth remained loyal to Naomi because she had introduced her to the Lord. Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. [4]
To learn how faith is tested by choices we make, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-transition-is-difficult
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
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