LESSON 679: NAOMI RETURNS WITH RUTH TO BETHLEHEM-JUDAH MEMORY VERSE: ”And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16). TEXT: Ruth 1:6-22

SUMMARY (1) From our last study, we learnt the following lessons: We must seek God’s consent before major relocations or stand in danger of facing negative consequences. We must never lose sight of the spiritual picture when making decisions despite obvious physical limitations. We may not be in control of some causes of misfortune and adversity but are still responsible for the decision we make at all times. The study of today touches on three points: Commendable action after cheery news Challenges and commendation of consecration Counting losses after compromise

SUMMARY (2) Commendable action after cheery news (Ruth 1:6,7): The famine ended when God visited the land in giving them bread. Adversity will not last forever if we trust God and wait for Him to come our rescue. Naomi did not tarry in Moab: she promptly returned upon hearing the good news. We must carry the message of salvation with urgency, enthusiasm and conviction. Challenges and commendation of consecration (Ruth 1:8-18): Naomi clearly outlined the cost involved if her daughters-in-law would follow her. Orpah lacked the grace to persevere in her decision to follow Naomi unlike Ruth. We must be firm in our decision to follow Christ to the end in the face of trials. Counting losses after compromise (Ruth 1:19-22): Naomi wrongly blamed God for her woes despite obvious blessings she received. We should examine ourselves and turn to God in adversity rather than complain.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What was the difference between the decisions made by Ruth and Orpah? Ruth 1:10,14-16 John 6:60,66-69

QUESTION 2 What are the essential qualities we should possess as we share the news of God’s goodness? Genesis 42:1,2 Luke 2:10 Mark 16:15-18

QUESTION 3 What lessons do we learn from Orpah’s return to Moab? Ruth 1:12-14 Joshua 24:15 Luke 9:59-60

QUESTION 4 Describe the strength of Ruth’s determination in her statement to Naomi: Ruth 1:16 2 Kings 2:2 Luke 14:26-27

QUESTION 5 Point out reasons why Naomi was wrong in blaming God for her woes: Ruth 1:20-21 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18 Job 34:32

QUESTION 6 What are the proofs that Naomi did not return empty? Ruth 1:22 Psalm 73:21-28

CONCLUSION Adversity will not last for ever if we trust God and wait patiently for Him. The good news Naomi heard compelled her to return home. We must be enthusiastic, urgent, explicit and compelling as we share the gospel. Naomi returned to the Promised Land despite her losses in the far country. Your situation is never too bad to return to God. There are costs to bear as we serve the Lord: we must remain firm in our decision to serve the Lord till the end no matter the trials on the way. There is always a reason to be thankful to God in every situation if we remain in faith.