There is no Book of Orpah
The future looked bleak. Her husband, dead. Her mother-in-law, old and negative. To go back to Bethlehem with Naomi meant leaving her homeland and becoming a foreigner in a strange place. She “wisely” refused to share Naomi’s uncertain future. We never hear of Orpah again.
The other daughter-in-law we know well. Ruth refused to turn back, but persevered into the unknown with Naomi. She dared commit herself to the God of a now bitter, barren woman. She looked beyond Naomi’s inability to supply and trusted God to be her Redeemer. Ruth shared her gleanings when Naomi could not repay, keeping her virtue and her faith in God–even when surrounded by temptation.
The rest of the story? God gave Ruth an autographed picture of Himself—Boaz, her earthly kinsman-redeemer. Her faith influenced history: Her great-grandson? King David. Centuries later, her descendant? Jesus Christ Himself.
What about you? Does your commitment to your husband or wife, to your pastor and church, to your family and friends, depend on how well they are able to supply your needs? If provision falters, do you? Do you choose the world-wise way, like Orpah?
Or will you dare, like Ruth, commit yourself when all that’s visible is barren and bitter? Will you look beyond the circumstances, even the inadequate, negative people in your life, and see that your Redeemer is your supply, not just of groceries, but of fruitfulness—even of life itself? Will you say, whatever happens —whatever has happened—I’m sticking with You?
Commitment to walking through hard places on life’s road glorifies God. He—not people—is your supplier, your source of joy. Trust Him to provide with much more than you need, with plenty to share with your family, your church, and an ever-widening circle beyond.
So others can’t meet your need? Never mind. Glean God’s grain and bring home enough to feed them as well. And hold fast. The Answer to your need arises at the end of the barley harvest.