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A LOVE STORY for MOMS (Ruth 1:1-18) What woman, girl, mother, or daughter has not swooned over a love story? The book of Ruth is the kind of story one would want to watch on TV. Yet God in His infinite glory has given it to us for all who would be mothers. Although dreams would tell us that to fall in love, to marry and to have a family would be the wonderful experience of life, all who are already mothers recognize it just doesn't work out to be so great. That's why we have dreams. The book of Ruth is one of sorrow, grief, pain with joy, fulfillment and blessings. In reality that is what motherhood is truly about. The story opens with a wrap-up of the family - four members. The typical family of America. They are Christians living in the Promised land and serving God. Elimelech, the husband means "A king" - the ideal husband that all women look for. There were two sons: Mahlon - sickness; and Chilion - consumption. Both were born sick and weak. [Today they would probably be aborted.] Yet they were still loved by their mother. A famine broke out. We are not told that others left. But this family had to make a decision. Their sons were sick. They needed food. But they were in the Promised Land. Why didn't they just pray and seek God. [Judges ruled, not God.] They were His children. We can only assume that the father made a decision. As wonderful as he might have been, he did the wrong thing. He did not trust God for his needs. He let circumstances be His guide. He didn't listen to the voice of God to direct him. He disobeyed the command of God that said you shall not return to the land of (bondage) Egypt. Many times, dads think they have their families' interest in mind; but we must never presume to make any kind of decision that affects others without seeking the will of God first. So as a family they left Bethlehem and went to Moab, a country just east of Egypt. What about the Mother? Her name was Naomi, which means "pleasant-one." She must have been the ideal Mom - perhaps with not much of a temper, since she was known as a pleasant person. Most moms are pleasant. She was submissive - a good Christian woman, in today's terms. She didn't fight her husband, that we know about, when he said "let's move." Though in her heart she knew it was wrong, she submitted to her husband's judgment. And after all, she did have two sick children who needed food. But then something happened. Her husband died. She was left in a foreign country against God's wishes. Her sons were sick - what was she to do? Today's circumstances are similar. With 60% of the parents divorced, many Moms are left to bring up children alone. They have to make the decisions, provide for them, and be the spiritual head over them. The scripture tells us that in time these boys grew up and married Moabite women. I'm sure Naomi, being a "good Christian woman," was concerned about mixed marriages. It was totally against her faith and her laws, but she still did the best she could under the circumstances. THEN in 10 years, more calamity - both her sons died - leaving her totally alone except for two foreign daughters-in-law. Now how many have ever had such devastation put on them? Can you imagine what she was thinking? Aware of all the things she had done against the laws of God, she may have concluded God was judging her for disobedience or rebellion; as a result, she probably suffered extreme guilt. By the time she returned to Bethlehem, she was open enough to admit, "I am bitter." She had to do something. So she determined to return home alone. Ladies, you must determine in your life no matter what the circumstances may seem, never give up hope that you can return to the place where God wants you to be. Never be satisfied with anything less than what God wants for you. [Let your bitterness out.] In this day and age anything is possible for women. Though there may be reasons why you are in a bad place today, when that reason ceases to be, don't continue in it any longer. When YOU determine to do His will, in His infinite wisdom, God will change things to accommodate you, as He did with Naomi. In this next scene we see much love shown to this mother - who now has become a mother-in-law. Mother-in-law doesn't have to be a bad word. My mother-in-law didn't love me or even like me when we got married. But I found out later it wasn't for reasons that I could control. I have prayed for her over the years and now I enjoy being around her. How do you feel about your in-laws? It is obvious that Naomi showed great affection for her daughters-in-law. They didn't want to leave her. But Orpah did go back to her family - nothing bad, after all she was a Moabite. But so was Ruth, yet she was different. She felt an obligation for Naomi. James 1:27 says "we are to care for the fatherless and the widows." And then it says if we will do this, it will keep "us pure from the world." Ruth sacrificed her heritage for that of a lonely mother. Love has the power to break through any barrier that you might be experiencing today. It will tear down walls of hostility between spouses, between children, between in-laws and any family situation. It will break prejudices that we have built around ourselves. The story goes on to tell us how Ruth and Naomi returned to the land of God, and how Ruth met Boaz, an Israelite and near kinsman. And this dear Mother who lost all the things that were near and dear to her now fulfills her destiny in life. Ladies, God has placed you here with your families for a reason. Through all your losses, God HAS been in every circumstance. In His sovereignty, the purpose for your life is being worked out even now. You are NOT ordinary. If you live in the dignity and sacredness to which God has called you, He will fulfill a purpose and plan for you as a person, as a woman and as a mother. If you read the rest of Ruth you will find that Ruth and Boaz got married - against all odds, because Ruth was an outsider. She was of a different RACE. It was an interracial marriage. The theme of the whole book of Ruth is how a mother, through the guidance of God, directed her steps and how a daughter-in-law listened and obeyed. Motherhood may be the lowest rated career in the world, but by far it is the BEST! None of us would even be here if it weren't for our Moms; no matter what you think of her, she has endured more than any man has to endure. God restored more unto Naomi in the end than she had in the beginning - all because of an unusual relationship between two people. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. But notice the story isn't one about the vertical relationship; it is about the horizontal. It is a story about loving your neighbor as yourself. It is a story about anyone who wants to be identified with the people of God. Blessings do follow you! You may be the only one saved in you family, but let those other people stay close to you and reap some of your benefits. None of us knows how the outcome of our lives may affect this world. I think this book could be easily called Naomi instead of Ruth. But like most things pertaining to Moms, they don't get the recognition they deserve. But also like good Moms, they are willing to give honor to the other. It would seem like Ruth receives the honor that Naomi lost. (Read Ruth 4:13 & 17. Jesus' great-great-great-grandfather. The blood of all peoples flowed through Jesus. 30 generations!) And yet the scripture says the blessings belonged to Naomi - not Ruth - the statement "better to thee than seven sons" means "the perfect family." Mothers, no matter how common you may find yourself today, you are more special than you may ever realize. God has much in store for you. He called you! In your circumstances with YOUR family! We men and children need you. The church needs you and the community needs you. We all say thank you for being who you are. - Pastor Steve May 1996 Newsletter | A Love Story for Moms | Choose to Love | Pastor's Journal - May 1995 Freedom | Jesus, Our Rock: Providing, Protecting, Proven, Proving Revised: June 25, 2008. |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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