Truth for today – Page 9 – The Burning Bush

Truth for today, Pt11

Scripture: Ruth 1:19-22

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II. BACKSLIDING WILL LEAVE ITS MARK
“ . . all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?” verse 19.

1. The mark is noticeable. It was the first thing that was seen by the people. Backsliding cannot be hid nor can the marks it leaves.

2. The mark is great. All men are sinful but the people of God are not marked as others. “ . . their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation,” Deut 32:5.

3. It is heart-rending. “ . . all the city was moved about them.” The sight of this woman melted the hearts of the people. They were distressed by what they saw. Heaven is moved by backsliding! Hosea 11:8.
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth,” Luke 15:10.

Truth for Today, Pt10

Truth for Today — Studies in Ruth, No 10, 1:19-22.

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The decision has been made and the matter settled. Ruth is resolved to journey to Bethlehem with Naomi.

Though a Moabite who has never even been in Judah, her new-found loyalties and aspirations, born of the Holy Spirit at her regeneration, shows that spiritually she is an Israelite indeed. Her native air is now the atmosphere of the promised land. Her new instincts carry her toward Bethlehem. She is in company with returning backslider, Naomi.

I. PLEASE NOTE THAT GRACE WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL IN THE TRUE BELIEVER
“So they two went until they came to Bethlehem,” verse 19.
For a time Moab exercised great power over Naomi and drew her into its fold. Now she is delivered. “ . . the LORD hath brought me home,” verse 21.

1. Sin can exercise power over the believer for a time. The Bible is full of examples.

2. But the true believer cannot be held in its power indefinitely. “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace,” Rom 6:14. “The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger,” Job 17:9.
The sheep may stray but they will be regathered by the faithful Shepherd.
That is the mark of a true believer.

3. God is honour-bound to rescue His fallen people. “And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of,” Genesis 28:15. Deut 3:18; 1 Sam 12:22; Ps 37:25, 28; Isaiah 41:17.