Don Graham Revival Ministries

"The Bane of Bitterness"

Ruth 1

Nothing seems to plague and haunt the steps of the average Christian as does bitterness. Yet so few people are willing to come to terms with this problem. So few are willing to admit that they're bitter. Yet, the malady goes on "blighting believers and ruining relationships."

It seems so hard for a Bible-believing, God-fearing Christian to admit to being bitter. Why? Because we know that basic to our bitterness is our anger toward God and we know it's not kosher to be mad at God so we cover it up and enter into denial. But try as you will, the problem prevails. With each passing day unresolved bitterness just intensifies until all of life is poisoned... and bitter people go on to church and wonder why worship is empty when in reality they're angry with the God presumably they have gone to church to worship. Left un-dealt with it then leaks and often pours its deadly venom into the relationships at church and therein lies much of the root problem in church divisions.

Perhaps the best way to begin to deal with bitterness is to watch how it operates in the life of another person. Such a picture is painted for us on the canvas of Scripture in the life of Naomi, Ruth chapter one. Please note the downward spiral that led to a very bitter woman. Observe....

I. The Dearth (v. la)

Elimelech, Naomi and their two sons lived in Bethlehem (which means the house of bread) when ravaging famine struck the land. Famine in the house of bread-you don't expect that! It was an Old Testament elective class at Southern Seminary. Clyde Francisco, my favorite professor, was lecturing from Genesis 12 when he came to the phrase ...and there was famine in the promised land. He stopped his lecture, took off his glasses, leaned over the podium and asked, "Gentlemen, what are you going to do when famine comes to your promised land?" I was startled! You don't expect famine in the promised land but it will come.

II. The Departure (vs. lb-2)

Without consulting God, Elimelech leaves Bethlehem and takes his family to Moab-of all places, the God-forsaken land of Moab. Driven by creature instincts alone man will invariably end up in Moab.

III. The Death (vs. 3-5)

There in Moab, Elimelech dies! His death is followed shortly by the death of the two boys, Mahlon and Chilion. Naomi is now bereft of her husband and two sons, her only children. She is left to grieve with her two Moabitess daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Three funerals in rapid succession. Remember, ...sin when it is finished bringeth forth death. Oh, the pathos of it all! Naomi is penniless, away from home and kindred and has made three trips close together to the local cemetery to bury her husband and two sons. Oh, what loss! What a terrible loss!! What a grievous loss!!!

Remember: Tragedy will always follow when decisions are made based only on creature comforts (food, etc.).

IV. The Decision (vs. 6-7)

Hearing that the famine has been broken back home in Bethlehem, she decides to go back home. Her daughters-in-law bravely go with her.

V. The Debate (vs. 8-13)

Ill-advised, Naomi encourages the girls to go back to their people in Moab. Orpah is persuaded and decides to turn back to Moab. She does so and promptly falls off the pages of Sacred Scripture, never to be heard from again. Oh, how Naomi must have lived to regret giving such advice. Had Orpah gone on with them she, too, could have been singularly blessed.

Remember: Be careful, very careful, with the advice you give to others!

VI. The Determination (vs. 14-18)

Though Naomi and her family were out of the will of God in Moab, Ruth recognized in their worship of Jehovah God something she desperately wanted. So she clave unto Naomi with tenacity and pressed on with her back to Bethlehem.

Remember: The memorable and hallowed words of verses 16-17 were originally spoken by a daughter-in-law to her mother-in-law. That's the way in-low relations should be!

VII. The Disillusionment (vs. 19-22)

Disillusioned, depressed and defeated Naomi and Ruth finally arrive at Bethlehem. As they walk down the streets she cannot hide the bitterness of her soul that is now etched into the deep crevices of her furrowed brow. All the city is moved for they remember the pleasant disposition and demeanor that once characterized Naomi.

In three terse statements she evidences her anger with God: ...the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me... the Lord hath testified against me... the Almighty hath afflicted me. As her anger toward God spills over she urges them to call her Mara which means bitter. She acknowledges that she ought to be called what she has become, a bitter woman.

Credit Naomi for admitting her need. She's bitter and admits it! Wow! That's the first step. That's the hardest step. She can get help now and so can you if you'll honestly face your bitterness. The balance of the little book of Ruth will show the transformation from a bitter woman (ch. 1) into a better woman (ch. 4). You, too, can be freed from the bitterness that has ruined relationships if, like Naomi, you'll fall before God and admit your need. He'll not be surprised! He already knows! So go ahead, be honest with Him! You'll be amazed where it might carry you!!!