Religion or Relationship? A Tale of Two Sisters  (Ruth 1:1-18)

We all know the tale of two sisters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. For ten years these two women lived in the same family - under the same roof, ate the same food, laughed and talked together and even confided in one another.  One wasn’t loved more than the other one, instead, these sisters were treated equally. But while these two women may have seemed the same, we see the difference in their true character when tragedy strikes.  Consequently, Naomi makes an important decision to leave the place and head off to ancestral territory.  Let’s study the attitude of these two sisters: 

1. An attitude of delight instead of despondency:  Ruth delighted with Naomi, for even though the current situation appeared dark and gloomy, she had a far-sighted vision. Naomi’s persuasion for the young women to go back to her roots made no difference to Ruth.  She had a positive outlook and an unwavering attitude. 
2. An attitude of genuineness instead of deception:  While the tears of one were only skin-deep, the tears of the other came from the heart. This is the kind of test we’re often put through so that true commitment and faithfulness to the Lord emerges. 
3. An attitude of gratitude instead of forgetfulness: Ruth had tasted the Lord’s goodness for about 10 years and she felt that she just couldn’t just throw away God’s grace when tragedy struck.  As the psalmist says in Ps. 68:5&6 “ … He takes care of women whose husbands have died…God gives lonely people a family…” 

In a nutshell, Ruth 1:14-17 is the refining fire that reveals each woman’s true devotion to her family and to God. What was the difference between these two sisters – Orpah and Ruth?   One was willing to leave when given the chance, while the other was ready to stay until death. It’s this commitment that defines the difference between religion and relationship. 

I leave you with one question: are we wearing the mask of religion or showing the true face of relationship?  

Lorraine Francis

Mission Director  ( Mukti Mission, NZ )