REVIVAL BEGINS WITH 2 WORDS: OBEDIENCE AND FAITHFULNESS

INTRODUCTION

The disciples waited for the Father's promise in Heaven in Jerusalem, and even though they no longer saw Jesus, they remained obedient and faithful.

Likewise with Ruth: "So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son." (Ruth 4:13).

There are several female figures in the Bible who were used by God in extraordinary ways. They were used by God because of their obedience. It's not easy to become God's chosen one, especially if you're a woman.

CONTENT

Learn from Ruth:

1. SHE IS FAITHFUL

Ruth was a woman from Moab who was Naomi's daughter-in-law. She had not long been enjoying married life when disaster struck. Her circumstances changed in an instant, as Naomi's husband died, as did her two sons. So Ruth lost not only her father-in-law, but also her husband. On top of that, a famine was ravaging the entire country.
In the midst of this very difficult situation, Naomi asked Ruth to leave her, but Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you and go home without following you. For where you go, there I will go, and where you lodge, there I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, there I will die, and there I will be buried. The LORD will punish me even more, if anything but death separates me from you!" (Ruth 1:16-17)
Ruth made a difficult decision. She even vowed that, no matter what, she would not leave her mother-in-law, Naomi, and would remain faithful until death them part.
Extraordinary! Not everyone can remain faithful in the midst of adversity and suffering. Can we, when circumstances worsen, remain faithful like Ruth? (Ruth 1:14)

2. SHE CONTINUES TO OBEY

Ruth was not only faithful, she was also obedient. This is evident from her declaration, “All that you say to me I will do.” (Ruth 3:5)
Ruth didn't obey out of necessity, but she did it with all her heart.

3. RESULT OF FAITHFULNESS AND OBEDIENCE

Ruth's loyalty and obedience were not in vain, because God took notice of her. God always rewards those who are loyal and obedient. In His own miraculous way, God blessed Ruth. The book of Ruth 4:13 records that Ruth eventually married Boaz (a wealthy man) and that they were blessed with a son named Obed; Obed was the grandfather of King David.