The Church Responsibility to Israel (part 2) Ruth 1:8, 11-17

Let's look at Ruth and discover how the Church could become more and more like her in relationship to the Jewish people.
Ruth clung to her(Naomi) Ruth would not be stopped by rejection. She would stick to Naomi, even if she wasn't wanted.
How can any Christian who is called to conform to God's character ever love His people conditionally, when He loves them unconditionally and according to an everlasting covenant?
Are you ready to hold on to Israel in her time of greatest need? Or walk away when she is universally condemned by the nations?
Three times Naomi insisted that Ruth return to Moab. (11,12,15) Ruth remained.
What we need is God's love for Israel. Take a look at Psalm 89:30-34 and Romans 11:28 to see the kind of love demanded of the Christians for the Jews. The kind of love God pours into our hearts demands nothing in return.
To be a Ruth means being willing to stand with the Jews even if it means making a sacrifice. Marriage offered security during these times. Ruth knew going with Naomi meant giving up opportunities to remarry someone in Moab. Few Jews in Judah would ever consider marrying a Gentile woman.
How many of would have risked going with the Jews into the gas chambers by hiding Jews during the holocaust? If we have the heart of Ruth, we will.
How many of us are ready to serve sacrificially by holding up and supporting the Jewish people? 
The Ruth Blessing  Any sacrifice we make on behalf of Israel is far outweighed by the blessing given in return. Ruth sacrificed much but she was richly rewarded for her humble service to Naomi. (Proverbs 15:33) After many years of barreness she was given a son. (Ruth 4:16-17) We know from Obed's loins will eventually come the Messiah. This may also foreshadow a day when Naomi (Israel) will embrace the Messiah. The Bible tells us the Jewish people will one day openly receive the Messiah and His forgiveness. (Romans 11:26-27)
Like Ruth, we the church have a central role to play in the salvation and deliverance of Naomi (the Jewish people). But it will require more than kind words and an occasional offering. Eventually, it may come to unconditionally and sacrificially loving the Jewish people because we love the God of the Jews.  
This is a shortened version of a sermon. The complete message is available on cd upon request. Simply email us hopeonthehillchurch@gmail.com or call 716-537-3222.