Don’t Give Up; Don’t Give In!

Orpah

“Then they wept aloud again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law [goodbye], but Ruth clung to her.” Ruth 1:14a

In Chapter One of Ruth’s story, we encounter three distinct types of women. Today, we will concentrate on Orpah. Naomi delivered her heartfelt speech urging them to return home in verses 8-13. After this, we see Orpah bid farewell to her mother-in-law. She chooses to leave, but why did she give up? Why did she give in?

Before we address this question, I find it intriguing that Naomi prayed for them. (v. 8-9) She asked the Lord to show them kindness, find them new husbands, and grant them peace after their hardship. Yet, just a few verses earlier, she harbored bitterness in her heart towards God for her circumstances. What significance do our prayers hold when they lack the healing essences of Repentance? The gift of Salvation, and disregarding God’s will, focusing solely on Naomi’s desires for their future? Be cautious of religious (empty prayer) that can mislead you from His true path and purpose for your life. Make sure that you are pursuing God’s will rather than human intentions.

“If I regard sin and baseness in my heart [that is, if I know it is there and do nothing about it], The Lord will not hear [me];” Psalm 66:18

When we read about Orpah in this narrative. It’s tempting to conclude that she was easily influenced. Another possibility is that her heart was never genuinely devoted in the first place. Naomi had urged her to return home on three separate occasions. At this point, we can see her as being obedient to Naomi’s wishes. One suggests that she yearned for home after being persistently urged to find a new husband.  Alternatively, why didn’t she cling to Naomi as Ruth did?

This serves as a reminder to Resist the urge to give in!  Our confidence in our identity shapes the subtle shifts in our behavior. The beliefs we hold about ourselves influence our reactions. This clarifies why Naomi asked three times, seeking to see if she can cause her to change her mind. We sometimes forget that there are strongholds linked to ungodly influences. These influences manipulate us. They cause us to become tolerant of their requests. Ultimately, they suggest that we give up. This viewpoint is malevolent and contradicts a biblical viewpoint as well as the principle of the Kingdom of God.

Let’s take a moment to consider this question about our own lives. When challenges arise and we face some form of hardship. If someone offers us an “easy way out,” what would we choose? Is it truly an escape or merely a trap? I would pose these questions: “What are you unconditionally committed to, regardless of the circumstances? What are your non-negotiable? And where does your loyalty reside? If we struggle to answer these questions with certainty. It’s essential to pause and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to set these boundaries so we can recognize deception. Otherwise, our indecision leads us to be influenced by someone or something that contradicts our initial intention.

Orpah served as a reminder. She signified Naomi’s decision to allow her son to wed a woman from outside their covenant nation. Naomi was attempting to conceal her disobedience, as her family had violated the Law of Moses.

“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

We should be cautious when someone persuades us to behave in a way that conceals their wrongdoing. This often leads us to make hasty choices. We need to be on alert! Even if we are oblivious to their genuine motives and actions. This should serve as a strong sign that there’s something not right.  That’s the moment we should take a step back. We should seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in prayer. We should find out what He desires for us to do!

So, what caused her to give up? Orpah found herself at an unfamiliar crossroads because she, “…was not far from her Kingdom.” (Mark 12:30- 34) This indicates she was close to home. She was also near the kingdom of God. Yet, she had to make a choice. Making choices can be challenging when you’re unsure of your identity and purpose in life! This uncertainty is what leads to the temptation to give up! Sometimes, it seems reasonable to return to what is familiar. But I challenge you to hold on to the promises of God. Follow His lead, even if it’s contrary to the norm or doesn’t make sense. The key is obedience to Christ, not man! The unknown can be frightening, but going back would mean returning to a place of despair. Unfortunately, she made the wrong choice, exited the story, and is never mentioned again in scripture. 

If Naomi had been in fellowship with the Lord, she would have urged Orpah to continue. They would have proceeded on their journey to Bethlehem. I can’t assert that Orpah would have gone, but we must never take someone’s Salvation lightly. Naomi has the potential to lead two souls into the Kingdom of Heaven. Nonetheless, she was unwilling to confront or deal with the state of her heart. Thus, Orpah chose to return home.

I encourage you to pause for a moment and think about the condition of your heart while reviewing these questions.

• Have you ever dismissed someone because they expose your sin?
• Have you face rejection because an individual you were following preferred not to deal with their sin?
• Have you established boundaries and are you aware of your non-negotiable?
• Do you recognize when you are being deceived?
• What have you given up on?
• What have you given in to, due to a lack of self-confidence?

This challenge goes beyond simply recognizing our flaws. It requires us to muster the courage to confront our struggles when we face overwhelming temptations. Allow Him to restore our territory, dreams, and commitments. In our quiet moments with the Lord, take time to repent. Think about any instances when you mirrored the traits of Naomi and Orpah instead of aiming to mirror Christ. This gesture serves as a powerful reminder that we are all flawed, yet Christ is not in search of perfection. He desires our OBEDIENCE!