Image behind the Image.

Text: Ruth 1:12-14 Amp.
  Turn back, my daughters, go; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband tonight and should bear sons,
13. Would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters; it is far more bitter for me than for you that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me.
14.  Then they wept aloud again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law [good-bye], but Ruth clung to her.

Memorise: Ruth 1:16
  And Ruth said, Urge me not to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God.

Message:
   The event between mother Naomi and her daughter in-laws is a great lesson we must learn from and see it as a challenge; life issues can be frustrating and tiring which can make one to look for green pasture and comfort anywhere you can find it,not minding the steps involved.
   But we need to stand firm and be conscious of things we do and steps we take;  why?
1. Because comfort now doesn't mean future comfit.
2. Money,good salary, good business  are good but good people around you maybe better.
3. What determines the future is not what we see with eyes.
4. Hardworking and discipline is a rear virtue.
   Orpah decided to go back,but Ruth refused to, Why?;
1. Orpah sees the present why Ruth sees the future
2. Orpah loved Naomi but Ruth loved her and her God.
    There are errors in this world but only the few who will see the image behind the image that is unseen will actually stand out at the end,behind errors in people is a virtue for great tomorrow see beyond the errors in people and you will be a great friend and companion.

Note:
  Orpah was not named again but Ruth made the lineage of Jesus from Boaz; strive to see the hidden God and image behind people in your life and what image do people see in you?, can people follow you for it?

Prayer:
Help my life to reflect you oh Lord in Jesus name.