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Saturday, 7 May 2003 - "Real faithfulness" -
Wedding of Herbert & Mientjie
(Summary of sermon by Arno Stegen)
Ruth 1:16 & 17
16 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:
17 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.
Ruth was an amazing woman, but why was she so blessed? We
know that her mother-in-law played a vital role in her life. We know of the difficulties
Naomi went through, losing her husband and sons in Moab. When she desired to return home,
her daughters-in-law wanted to go with her. She, however, did not easily agree and urged
them to return to Moab. Orpa eventually agreed, and parted in a beautiful way, or so it
seemed. But here we come to the crux of the matter, which Naomi also realised - Orpa
returned to her people and her gods. Ruth had the same choice, but replied that she cannot
return to her people and her gods. For her there was but one choice, 'your God will be my
God and your people will be my people'. The heart of man is revealed when the whole world
lies before him to choose from. If you are not sure what your relationship is with the
Lord Jesus, just see what you do when you are alone and can make a free choice.
You must be sure God leads you in the way you go. This is
the challenge for the husband that he walks with God in such a way that his wife know that
it is not just the husband that is leading, but God.
The words of Ruth that 'your God will be my God' reminds us of Thomas' similar words at
his repentance from unbelief. Today people utter the same confession, and shortly
afterwards depart from Him, but not so with Thomas. Ruth chose correctly and stayed
faithful. Have you uttered these words? Have you made Him your own, or do you speak as
king Saul who said to the prophet, 'call on your God'. He did not know Him for himself.
Ruth also said, 'where you die I will die'. She made it clear that her decision was
permanent, for life. We as Christians must realise this, that our decision for God is for
life, not to the next temptation. These days many people want a convenient life, without
sacrifice. When difficulties arrive in marriage, they divorce, and when difficulties
arrive in their Christian life, they throw in the towel. No, we will only receive God's
blessing if we choose Him to the end. |
