A Delayed Return | Ruth 1
When you have decisions to make, keep a ‘kingdom mindset’, submitting your plans to God, and seeking first His kingdom.
Ruth is a short story set in the time of Judges. In the first chapter, Elimelech and his family leave Bethlehem
to sojourn in Moab. However, they end up staying for 10 years during which Elimelech and his sons die,
after which Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem. The family endures much hardship and have many
difficult decisions to make. God’s sovereign hand is clear to see through the story, as He is establishing His
kingdom on earth, through King David who would then point to Christ.
- Decision 1: The journey to Moab (vv. 1-5)
- Decision 2: The widows leave Moab (vv. 6-7)
- Decision 3: Naomi convinces Orpah to stay in Moab (vv. 8-15)
- Decision 4: Ruth follows Naomi (vv. 16-17)
- Decision 5: Naomi’s response to suffering and grief (vv. 13b, 19-22)