Ruth 1:14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law,…
Orpah at crossroad was faced with a very difficult decision to make. At first she wanted to go, that is return with Naomi to her people. Naomi was uncertain of the future as she reasoned with them of the possibility of a difficult road ahead (vs. 11-13). Naomi tried to convince them that they had better chances of making it in Moab (their land) than going with her to Bethlehem.
Orpah envisioned a move that promised good in the end (future). She loved the companionship of both Ruth and Naomi but not at the expense of her future. Clinging to Naomi had love and a personal gain tied to it. Lives at crossroads reveal the motives behind following Christ. Is it about Him or His promise for the future? Our relationship to Him should be greater than our desires for gain. At crossroad Jesus asked His disciples “do you also want to leave” to which Peter responded, “68 .., “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life….” (Joh 6:68-69). Others wanted a Messiah for personal gain. Orpah wept, kissed and went back, similar to the disciples who left following Jesus because He could not give them what they craved.