Ruth and the “Butterfly Effect” Lesson 1 – Chapter 1

The Consequences of Decisions What percentage of our national population really thinks about the possible far-reaching consequences decisions made? How about us? As Christians, are we consistently…constantly…thinking about what or whom our decisions could affect over time? In Chaos Theory (branch of mathematics dedicated to how complex systems can be greatly changed or disrupted by even small alterations), this is really something to ponder.

The Consequences of Decisions In history, we see glimpses of these so called “butterfly effects.” – Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand = World War 1 – Bombing of Pearl Harbor = Nuclear age of warfare – An officer’s face-slap = Oustings of Ben Ali / Hosni Mobarak In godliness, it becomes an even greater, spiritual issue, and one to which we should vigilantly offer our attention, consideration, and prayer.

Judges in Israel The book of Ruth is a unique look into the life of a single family during a time of great apostasy in Israel (c – 1070 BC). The time of the judges. The purpose of the judges was not unlike the prophets: call Israel to repentance, justice, and unity. It is important to read Ruth in this historical context for Ruth is an account that can teach us volumes about the value of proper choices.

The Move to Moab A man named Elimelech makes an understandable, though very odd, choice for his family (Numbers 20-25). It is widely believed that Elimelech and his sons died from their choices before God. Certainly God had made provisions for the line of Israel’s purity (Deuteronomy 7:1-4; 1Kings 11:1- 2). Fact: Elimelech/sons chose poorly.

Israel to Moab Often, our choices stem from laziness. About 100 miles represents the distance from Bethlehem to Moabite territory. The sons of Elimelech chose poorly and may have lost their lives for it. At the very least, they ignored the SPIRITUAL consequences…have we ever done likewise? Now let’s consider Naomi and her choice.

Naomi’s Choice While Mahlon and Chilion were doing little more than following their father’s lead in life decisions (parents, beware!), Naomi decides to return home to Israel. But Naomi felt cursed (Ruth 1:13)! Thus, she is a very Job-like person in this story. The difference? Naomi decides to return to the land of her fathers. The land of God’s providence.

Ruth’s Choice Have we ever wondered, do we wonder now, what FUELED Ruth’s choice to stay with Naomi? Was it dependency? Was it knowledge? Was it love? Whatever the core motivation may have been, Ruth’s choice stands to remind us of some powerful truths (Matthew 10:34-39 / Mark 10:29- 31). These truths are embodied in the beautiful Ruth.

How Do We Choose? What causes us to make the choices we make regarding spiritual matters? Pray Study Assemble Teach Give Will we choose to make thoughtful choices, regarding the Lord (Matthew 6:33 / John 12:48)?

How Do We Choose? Courage, Faith, Righteousness…these are difficult undertakings and goals. Hopefully, we can choose more in the future at least considerate of the real possibilities / consequences of our own “Butterfly Effect.” Would we not live differently, every day, if we would remember history and the fact that our decisions can echo to eternity not only for ourselves but countless others?

Let’s Always Choose Faithfully Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11: Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11: Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31 Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31 Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10

Ruth and the “Butterfly Effect” Lesson 1 – Chapter 1