Let's refresh the characters on the Show … First there is the fickle, people pleaser, and can’t seem to keep a man. Next the ever so controlling, insecure, perfectionist. Then there is the self centered, materialistic, prima-donna. Of course the domineering, corporate ladder climbing, frustrated business woman. (These folk sound like people you know?)
What they all share in common, besides Bridge and Tea parties, is that fact that each week they find themselves in “Desperate” situations where choices are made that have an adverse affect on their lives and the lives of those around them.
The fact that life creates some desperate situations is no surprise … the fact that these situations require solutions is also no surprise … what matters is what we do when we are faced with them ... Are you a Kisser or a Keeper?
Let's get a CLUE...
Let's get a CLUE...
In the biblical book of Ruth we are introduced to three women who share something in common. A single thread weaves them together in the fact that with the loss of their husbands they are vulnerable, at risk, and susceptible to mistreatment in a male dominated society. Due to this fact, Naomi made a wise decision to return to her place of origin, the land of Judah. This decision became the origin of stress … it made an already stressful situation (the fact that they had lost their husbands) even more so. Now the two maidens were forced to consider leaving their current place of abode and return with Naomi to a place that meant nothing to them (it was Naomi’s home). They were faced with a life changing decision that once made would affect them for the rest of their lives. What can we learn from these women that will assist us in our Desperate situations? The book of Ruth sets up a classroom environment conducive to learning several lessons … among them are lessons in Leadership and Discipleship.
Let's start with a lesson in Leadership … Naomi was a Leader. A true leader has care and concern for others needs. She knew the plight before them so she directed her daughters to return to their homes. She assured them that God will surely deal kindly with them. She knew that God would grant them to find “rest” i.e. security. She gave candid and clear-cut information ... she kept it real … didn’t sugar coat it. She knew that sooner or later they would faint and wain due to thier "human-ness." She said, "Look I am old, I have no more sons, if I did you wouldn’t wait for them!" Our Lord Jesus was candid and clear. Think of the conversations he had with the following:
§ Woman at the well … you’ve had five husbands
§ Rich young man … sell what you have, give to the poor
§ To multitudes … if you love mother/father more than me …
§ To his disciples … they will persecute you
§ To disciples … the way to greatness is service
Like Jesus and his leaders of that day, Leaders today must be candid and clear! Say what you mean and mean it!Let's take a lesson in Discipleship … Ruth would become a Learner (one who conforms his words, thoughts, and actions to that of his master/leader). One thing a disciple does is commit to new Leadership. She was heard to say" Wherever you go, I will go … lodge, I will lodge". This meant committing to a new lifestyle, new people, new concepts, etc. She willingly committed herself to Naomi's world. Christians are "called out of the world"! Our leader is Jesus ... we are his disciples committed HIs words, thoughts, and actions!
Now the other young lady, Orpah would eventually become a Loser . She Went back to ‘her’ people! Bad move ... there's nothing like God’s People ... Her people couldn’t save her ... Her people had no relationship with the true God. Today, people make the grave mistake of putting ‘their people’ before God i.e. relatives, spouses, children, friends, etc … Orpah put her people over God’s people, they had more influence over her than Naomi did, she was a “friend” of the world! She went back to ‘her’ gods. Today, people make the mistake and forsake God Almighty for false gods: False gods of: money, power, jobs, people worship. You always lose when you turn away from God! She had an opportunity but passed it up. She may have been a good person, but you always lose without God!
Let me conclude by saying that in every walk of life, there are at least two types of people … the "Kissers" like Orpah, and the "Keepers" like Ruth (1:14). It’s the kissers that more often find themselves in “Desperate” situations. The Keepers have committed themselves to the cause and will not let go! They “cleave”. The “Kissers”, are there for a while, but when the going gets rough and uncertain, they will “kiss” you goodbye in a Desperate minute! Which one are you?
You've been CLUEd!
