Essex Remembrancer Ruth 1:16-17 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you: for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge… I. A RESOLUTION TO PURSUE THE JOURNEY TO HEAVEN. 1. It is a narrow way. 2. It sometimes proves a way of affliction. 3. It is nevertheless a very pleasant way. II. A RESOLUTION TO BE SATISFIED WITH SPIRITUAL ENTERTAINMENTS. 1. The Christian finds a sweet entertainment in communion with his God — in praising Him, which is one of the most delightful exercises of the mind; and in prayer, which is so necessary for the renewing of his spiritual strength. 2. In the Word of God he finds a delightful repast. He is made wise unto salvation. 3. In the conversation of his fellow Christians, the believer finds delightful refreshing. 4. The believer finds also times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord when he takes up his abode in the house of God. He experiences the truth of the promise," they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." III. A RESOLUTION TO CAST IN THE LOT WITH THE PEOPLE OF GOD. Before you make a resolution so to do, count the cost, and consider the nature of the step which you propose to take. 1. The people of God have generally been a persecuted people. 2. The people of God are an afflicted people. 3. The people of God are a holy people. 4. We have said that the people of God are a persecuted and an afflicted people, but they are nevertheless a people of the best prospects, so that they are truly wise, and consult their own best interests, who cast in their lot among them. IV. A RESOLUTION TO CHOOSE THE SERVICE OF GOD. When a sinner is truly converted from his sin he cleaves unto the Lord with purpose of heart. "Thy God shall be my God," is the resolution which he expresses to the Church of Christ; and in doing so — 1. He resolves to cast away his idols. 2. He who makes this resolution receives God in Christ as his God — God in the person of the Mediator. 3. He who chooses God for his God resolves to devote himself to the active service of God. V. A RESOLUTION TO BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH. What is necessary to faithfulness unto death? 1. Begin aright. 2. Persevere as you begin, for Christ is not only the Door but the Way.Often repair to the fountain of His blood for peace; constantly resort to His throne of grace for spiritual strength; often sit at the feet of Jesus to learn the mysteries of the kingdom of God. To conclude — 1. We admire the constancy and perseverance of Ruth. 2. We learn from this passage of Scripture that we ought to be faithful to those who are inquiring the way to Zion with their faces thitherward. 3. The inquiring and anxious sinner should persevere whatever difficulties may present themselves. If the difficulties and trials of the way were tenfold, it would still be his interest as well as his duty to endure unto the end. (Essex Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: |
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