Tuesday, December 27, 2016

ORPAH AND RUTH: A CONTRAST IN TRAGEDY

The woman Ruth is one of the more recognisable women in the Bible. As the great grandmother of King David and thus an ancestress of the Messiah, Ruth holds a revered position with the Jewish people. This is in spite of her pagan Moabite heritage.

When we read about the grass-to-grace story of Ruth, we celebrate her devotion, her loyalty and her piety. But in doing this, we often forget that all this would not have been possible had she not experienced the tragedy of losing her husband, and brother-in-law in her homeland... exactly like another Moabitess – Orpah.

Throughout scriptures, we see examples of people who were greatly blessed, NOT in spite of their tragedies, but seemingly because of them. In other words, when you look back at their life, you’re tempted to feel the trouble was all part of God’s plans in the first place.

But that’s just how good God is in transforming our tragedies to triumph.

Yes, we live in a fallen world, with the consequences of Adam’s sin on the one hand, and satanic inflictions on the other. Death, diseases and devastation is a reality for all of us; and we face setbacks and sorrow every day. But our attitude towards this reality will determine whether we end up as Orpah or as Ruth.

The scorching sun of life shines on everyone. But as a Believer, you live in this world with an advantage: you serve a God who specialises in turning tragedy into triumph, pain into praise, and tests into testimonies.

In one of Paul’s most popular writings, he says, We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. – Rom 8:28

Beloved, do you realise that that current challenge of yours could end up being a defining aspect of your life testimony? When calamities come and tragedies fall, don’t clam up and turn away from God; open your hands and your heart and say, “This mess is all I have, do your thing God”.

I injure you to give your troubles to God, and that “light affliction, which is but for a moment”, will work for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory through Christ Jesus, (2Co 4:17).

AMEN.
More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN

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