Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

December 15– Morning

 by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clung to .” 

—Ruth 1:14

Both of these daughters-in-law had an affection for Naomi, and, therefore, set out with her on her journey to the land of Judah. But the hour of testing came. Naomi gave them a clear picture of the trials they would endure by coming with her, and she urged them (if they cared for ease and comfort) to return to their friends and family in Moab. At first, both of them declared that they would join the Lord’s people, but, upon further consideration, Orpah (with much grief and a respectful kiss) left her mother-in-law, her people, and her God, and went back to her idolatrous friends. Ruth, however, gave her heart to Jehovah, the God of her mother-in-law, and returned with her to Judah.

The kiss of outward profession is very cheap and easy, but clinging to the Lord Jesus with a commitment to truth and holiness is not so small a matter.

I wonder how it’s going with us? Are ours hearts fixed upon Jesus? Have we counted the cost, and are we solemnly ready to suffer all worldly loss for the Master? How happy are those who renounce everything for Christ’s sake.  Forgotten– even worse than forgotten– will be those who in the hour of temptation turn back to the world.

O that today we may not be content with the mere form of devotion which may be no better than Orpah’s kiss.  Instead, may we ask the Holy Spirit to help us cling with our whole heart to our Lord Jesus Christ. [M&E]