The Power of Choices- 2.16.20

The book of Ruth tells us about the choices and consequences in the actions of a man named Elimelech and the impact that those choices had on his family. There was a famine in the land, and he chose to take matters into his own hands instead of trusting God. His decision brought about a downward spiral of events that impacted each member of his family. God takes the proud and brings them low, but once we have recognized our inner poverty, he delights to exalt us and seat us with princes (Psalm 113:7-8).

Ruth 1:1-5

I. We have choices to make (1:1-2)
a. “A troubling reality in much of evangelical life is that convincing someone they are saved seems to take precedence over making sure someone actually is saved. This must change. Somehow questioning another person’s salvation became taboo in evangelical culture, when it could possibly be one of the most loving things you can do for another; it could mean the difference between seeds that sprout and bloom and seeds that are snatched away.” – Dean Inserra

II. Sometimes we make poor choices (3-4)
a. Not everyone who abandons the way of the Lord will return.
b. 1 John 2:19

III. Make the best choice today. (5)
a. God’s grace not only brings in those who were always outsiders to his people, like Ruth, but also extends to those who have rebelled against him from the inside and pursued forbidden paths.