Reject the Persuasion of Listening to Blasphemy

“…But Ruth clung to her. Then Naomi said, “ Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; turn back and follow your sister-in-law… When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing.” (vs. 14-15,18)

Ruth (1:15:18)

Ruth was unaware that Naomi’s advice could have been seen as blasphemy. Yet, her actions say otherwise. Ruth felt compelled to cling to Naomi, believing it was essential. Sometimes, our heartfelt obedience may not seem logical at first, but our response is crucial. We all encounter tough choices that may not resonate with those around us. Be cautious of others who often try to influence our decisions. They may not fully understand what God is personally doing in our hearts and lives. Ruth chose to remain with Naomi. Her connection extended beyond Naomi; it was also with Jehovah God. She recognized that Naomi was guiding them both toward their redeemer, even though she couldn’t recognize it at the time. Ruth had to look past Naomi’s bitterness and blasphemy. How did Ruth achieve this? Through Faith, Belief, and Obedience! Naomi urged Ruth to return to her hometown, just like Orpah, because she thought God was punishing her. At the same time, Ruth was ready to give up everything she was. She was willing to forsake everything she wasn’t. She wanted to draw near to the father and cling tight. She took a leap of faith to encounter Christ. What are you holding on tight too? Blasphemy or Reverence with God!

According to Merriam-Webster, blasphemy is defined as “A profound disrespect directed towards God or something sacred, or actions or words that demonstrate such disrespect; the act of insulting or showing disdain or lack of reverence for God.”

Ruth managed to hold on to Naomi because she was open to seeing past her struggles and difficulties. Despite the adverse impact of her defiant mother-in-law, Ruth had experienced a glimpse of the “Goodness of God.” She yearned to be with Him. She wanted to belong to His people. Ruth desired to live in His land, no matter the cost! Even if it required leaving behind everything she knew. The initial cost was significant for Ruth, but ultimately, it proved to be worthwhile! She refused to blame God for her unfortunate circumstances. Instead, she decided to place her trust in Him. Ruth confidently declared her faith. The cost requires us to deny ourselves and follow him! (Matthew 16:24-26)

Upon examining this narrative, Ruth decides not to leave. She held on to the very person who was pushing her away. Why is that? She was ALL IN!

Ruth’s background

We see that Ruth’s origins posed a disadvantage. Her people, the Moabites, worshiped the god Chemosh. (Numbers 21:29) They also practiced human sacrifices (2 Kings 3:26-27) and promoted immorality. (Numbers 25) All her circumstances were stacked against her. She faced the death of her father-in-law, her husband, and her brother-in-law. She was left a widow without any resources or support. Everything around her was going wrong in her life. Still, she holds on to a belief even though, traditionally, it was impossible due to her lineage. Yet, she still chose to surrender by clinging to Naomi. Everything mentioned could have caused her to feel bitterness towards God, but she chose to surrender and cling instead.

God intervened and graciously (Eph. 2:9-10) rescued Ruth despite all these hurdles in her life. Christ delights in extending mercy. He often offers it to the most unlikely individuals in unexpected circumstances, especially when we are a willing vessel. This story regarding Ruth exemplifies the sovereign grace of God. “He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit,” Titus 3:5

Ruth’s Famous Confession

“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God. ¹⁷ Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do the same to me [as He has done to you], and more also, if anything but death separates me from you.” Ruth 1:16-17

This passage contains one of the most extraordinary confessions found in Scripture. She openly declared her love for Naomi and her wish to remain with her, even unto death. She professed her faith in the one true and living God and made the choice to worship Him exclusively. She was prepared to abandon “all she was” to follow Naomi to the God of her people. Her resolve was unwavering. She was ready to leave everything behind. This included her heritage, familiar surroundings, inheritance, promises, and her pride, to pursue Jesus! She undertook this journey fully aware of the divine law stating her possible rejection.

 “Ammonite or Moabites shall not enter the congregation of the Lord; even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall enter the Lord forever.”  (Deut. 23:3)

This indicated a permanent exclusion. She grasped a truth that many still overlook today. The law may exclude us from God’s family. However, grace welcomes us if we place our faith in Jesus Christ. So, what’s our excuse! If God can do this for Ruth, why wouldn’t he do the same for you? All He requires of us is to surrender all that we think we are or aren’t and follow Him.

So how is it possible that she managed to become part of the Messiah’s family? She relied on God’s grace and completely surrendered to His mercy. It is through the sovereign grace and mercy of God that we find acceptance. God is: “longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).

Are you dismissing the influence of hearing and uttering blasphemous words?

What’s stopping you from clinging to the Father for everything you need? Ruth’s background should have disqualified her, but it didn’t. During your prayer time, ask the Holy Spirit if you’ve ever uttered blasphemy. Reflect on whether you’ve tolerated it. Consider if you’ve learned how to confront it. Are you a runner or a clinger? All these questions allow us to recognize who we are rejecting and who we are listening to.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blasphemy