The Test of [True] Love

Google Image

Memory Verse: "...and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her." (Ruth 1:14, KJV)

Scripture Reading: Ruth chapters 1-4.

Both of them had an affection for Naomi, and therefore set out with her upon her return to the land of Judah.

But the hour of test came; Naomi most unselfishly set before each of them the trials which awaited them, and bade them if they cared for ease and comfort to return to their Moabitish friends.

At first both of them declared that they would cast in their lot with the Lord's people; but upon further consideration, Orpah with much grief and a respectful kiss left her mother-inlaw and her people  and her God, and went back to her idolatrous friends, while Ruth with all her heart gave herself up to the God of her mother-inlaw [in reckless abandon].

It is one thing to love the ways of the Lord when all is fair, and quite another to cleave to them under all discouragements and difficulties. The kiss of an outward profession is very cheap and easy, but the practical cleaving to the Lord, which must show itself in holy decision for truth and holiness, is not so a small matter.

How stands the case with us? Is our heart fixed upon Jesus? Is the sacrifice bound with the cords to the horns of the altar? Have we counted the cost, and are we solemnly ready to suffer all worldly loss for the Master's sake? The after gain will be an abundant recompense, for Egypt's treasures are not to be compared with the glory to be revealed.

Orpah is heard of no more; in glorious ease and idolatrous pleasure her life melts into the gloom of death; but Ruth lives in history and in heaven, for grace has placed her in the noble line whence sprung the King of kings.

Blessed among women shall those be who for Christ's sake can [truly] renounce all; but forgotten and worse forgotten shall those be who in the hour of test and temptation do violence to conscience and turn back unto the world.

O that this morning we may not be content with the form of devotion, which may be no better than Orpah's kiss, but may the Holy Spirit work in us a cleaving of our whole heart to our Lord Jesus.

And so we say, Our Maker, we are not of the company that draw back in the hour of test and temptation. We ask that the Holy Spirit according to Phil.2:13 will work in us a cleaving of our whole heart to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Ponder Point: "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Lk.9:62)

Action Point: Go all the way for God and His Kingdom in pure devition and reckless abandon.

Prayer Point: Father, help me to prove the sincerity of my love for You and Your Kingdom in Jesus name, Amen.