6. What Did Ruth See?

• TEXT: Ruth 1:6-18
• v.18 She was steadfastly minded

Introduction: BOTH

• BOTH: v. 8 "Said unto her daughters in law" (Naomi saw both Orpah and Ruth as peers)
• BOTH Orpah and Ruth were Moabite women.
• BOTH had been kind to to their mother in law and to the recently deceased. (8)
• BOTH left Moab with Noami to journey to Bethlehem. v.7 "went on the way to return..."
• BOTH Orpah and Ruth cried out and wept as Noami kissed them goodbye.
• BOTH refused to leave Naomi. v.10 "They said"
• BOTH cried out and wept at Noami's insistance they turn back. (They felt at least some of the same feelings)
• ORPAH KISSED Naomi goodbye. v.14a
• RUTH CLAVE unto Naomi. v.14b
• What did Ruth see that Orpah missed? (Orpah looked, but only so far)

Ruth 1:15 — ... behold thy sister in law is gone back ...

• Ruth's personal loyalty to Noami is not the whole story. Noami gave Ruth every "out" and released her fully, but Ruth would not have it.

1. RUTH SAW THE PROMISE OF BETHLEHEM (v.15-16a)

• Orpah knew Moab. (it was what she knew)
• RUTH KNEW WHAT DIRECTION NAOMI WAS HEADED
• Bethlehem was the "house of bread" - the potential of the destination
• a glimpse of ...

Micah 5:2 — But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of these shall he come forth unto me that is to be rule rin Israel; whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting.

2. RUTH SAW THE "PROMISE PEOPLE" (v. 16b)

• Orpah saw GOOD PEOPLE
• RUTH KNEW HER NEW IDENTITY
• Resolved to "LIVE THE GIFT"
• a glimpse of ...

Genesis 12:1-3 —

3. RUTH SAW THE "PROMISER" (v.17)

• Orpah saw a faith, practice and GOOD RELIGION
• Ruth saw God's Hand at work: God knows best!

1 Kings 18:21 — How long halt ye between two opinions

Conclusion: A Made Up Mind

Ruth 1:18 — When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go wiht her, then she left speaking unto her.

• was determined to go with her
• to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, solid
• If you see what Ruth saw, there is nothing to go back to and no reason good enough to quit!
• She was converted, changed!