Being Steadfastly Minded To Do What?
Posted in Sermons on 05 11th, 2008
Ruth 1:7-8; 14-18 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and
her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return
unto the land of Judah.
And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return
each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have
dealt with the dead, and with me.
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
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: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return
unto the land of Judah.
And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return
each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have
dealt with the dead, and with me.
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
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: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
Orpah and Ruth were as close as sisters yet Orpah went back to her people. Ruth was steadfastly minded to go with Naomi. It's time for us to stop and determine what we'll do with life. Naomi was a role model for her two daughters-in-law. My mom was a role model for me but I steadfastly determined to go another way; conviction came and I saw the error of my way and made up my mind to serve her God. So the challenge before us is—-
Steadfastly minded to do what?
Steadfastly minded to go where?
Steadfastly minded to be what?
Steadfastly minded to go where?
Steadfastly minded to be what?
Naomi and her family, a husband and two sons, went to Moab to escape the famine in their homeland of Judea. While there the sons married women from Moab. Having left their native people and gods, Orpah and Ruth knew Naomi as a mother. They were a happy family who served the one true God. Then over the years Naomi's husband and sons died.
Upon hearing that the famine was over in her homeland, Naomi decided to go back home. She left with her two daughters-in-law and headed back to Judea. The girls could have decided right then to go back to their own people, but they chose to go with Naomi.
It takes decision in order to make it to heaven.
It takes decision to make our hearts right.
It takes decision to choose God and live right.
It takes decision to put God first.
What decisions have you made and are making?
It takes decision to make our hearts right.
It takes decision to choose God and live right.
It takes decision to put God first.
What decisions have you made and are making?
These two women didn't have to go with Naomi. They could have decided to follow her as long as she stayed in Moab. We have the privilege, even in this Godless world, to live as the children of God. We can see the determination of this mother to install Christian principles in the two young women. Many mothers today strive to do the same. Moms have the opportunity to keep the God of heaven before their children. Moms can help keep the eyes of her children on eternal things.
Naomi must have been overwhelmed by evil in Moab, but she still kept God in her heart. Ruth and Orpah saw something in her, something special. They had a decision to make; both began the journey with Naomi. She probably asked them many times if they were sure. She never once forced them to go with her. The same is true today. No one, even our mother, can force us to be saved. No one can shove the Bible down your throat. It just looks that way to us at the time. Soon we find out this was not so. We knew in our hearts it was right. We had to face with resolution of heart the decision before us. God has given us the freedom of choice. We have resolve. What are we steadfastly minded to do? We have power of choice, decision and resolve.
Naomi knew where she was going would be best for her daughters-in-law. She also knew it had to be their decision. She asked are you sure this is what you want to do? We too have to realize the ways we go are of our making. We must see it God's way and know his word. Watch what direction you're steadfastly minded to go. Naomi wanted both girls to follow her because of their desire to go to heaven. Ruth and Orpah knew that; they saw that. Again Naomi asked them if they were sure. Is this what you want? It's your choice. They had the power of will and resolve.
The pull of the world takes its toll. Truth pulls us to stand where God wants. The resolve of these young girls had to be steadfastly minded to follow their mother-in-law. They would use their resolve to do something. In the end Orpah turned back to her people and their gods. Orpah's resolve turned to revolt against Naomi's God and her family. Naomi didn't force her to stay. Sh e didn't put her down. She wasn't hateful to her. She let her make her decision and then respected her for doing so. She let her go. It must have broken her heart. A mother's love does that.
Naomi then told Ruth she could return to her people with Orpah. Ruth still had a decision to make. Ruth had made up her mind. She looked at her mother-in-law and said don't say another word. Don't ask again. My mind is made up. Where you're going I'm going. It wasn't because Naomi thought it best; it was best because Ruth knew it was best. She resolved to go where Naomi went; she resolved to stay where Naomi stayed; she resolved to worship who Naomi worshiped; she resolved to be buried where Naomi would be buried. When Naomi saw that Ruth was steadfastly minded to go with her, she didn't ask her about it anymore. Ruth just knew it was the right thing to do. She chose to follow the ways of Naomi.
If we are steadfastly minded to leave the world behind, we will. If we are steadfastly minded to go the ways of our Godly mothers, we can. If we are steadfastly minded to live for the Lord, we will. We need to make that decision and get on with it.