Community with a Mission

This past Sunday, March 21, the Sunday school lesson was entitled, "Commitment to a New Community," from Ruth 1:1-9, 14b, 16. An Israelite family (Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion) moved from Bethlehem-Judah to Moab, because of a famine in Judah. While in Moab, Elimelech, Naomi's husband died. Their two sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth, which was considered to be against the Jewish tradition. Mahlon and Chilion died, leaving Naomi without her husband and without her sons. This left her down in spirit, she was bitter. She heard while she was yet in Moab, that the famine was lifting and started her journey back to her home in Judah. With love and concern for her daughter-in-laws, Naomi tried to presuade them to return to their homes in Moab. She kissed them and they all weep. Orpah went back to her home, but Ruth was determined to stay with her mother-in-law.
What was the reaction of Ruth? Did the Moabites and Israelites have a friendly relationship? God places peoples where He wants them to be to accomplish His mission. Ruth made a commitment to give up all she had, are you willing? What did you get from the lesson?

I want to hear from you.