Genuine or Crocodile Tears?
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: Ruth 1:14
Read Ruth 1:14-18
Orpah and Ruth both began the journey with Naomi to the land of Israel, but at the border a final separation took place; each went their own way. Tears were profusely shed at the parting. At first it seemed that the sorrow of both Orpah and Ruth was genuine, but when we read further, we see that Orpah’s tears were crocodile tears. All shed tears are not necessarily serious, although they may look genuine.
Consider Orpah’s case; she shrank back from the consequences that would result if she remained with Naomi. In Israel she would lose all her freedoms; she would be required to bind herself to the Word of the Lord. Orpah was not prepared to give up her freedom.
Ruth’s case was completely different. She realized that the gods of Moab were unreliable and could not help her, but the Lord God of Israel never let His people down; He was always ready to help. Ruth had not only heard this from her mother-in-law, but also saw it in her demeanor (see Ruth 1:6). Ruth is an example that all young men and women in church who are vacillating or halting between two opinions should imitate. Her case is encouraging as well, for even from the a heathen nation such as Moab, people are invited to find refuge under the wings of the Lord.
Question: Are you vacillating in making the right choice?
Psalter 69:1, 2, 6 (based on Psalm 26) Be Thou my judge, O righteous Lord, Try Thou my inmost heart; I walk with steadfast trust in Thee, Nor from Thy ways depart. O search me, Lord, and prove me now; Thy mercy I adore; I choose Thy truth to be my guide, And sinful ways abhor. But I in my integrity Will humbly walk with Thee; O my Redeemer and my Lord, Be merciful to me.