In this Chapter Naomi and Ruth leave Moab and return to Bethlehem in Judah after Naomi’s husband and two sons die. The chapter begins, “In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a man from Bethlehem in Judah left the country because of a severe famine. He took his wife and two sons and went to live in the country of Moab. The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. During their stay in Moab, Elimelech died and Naomi was left with her two sons. The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her husband or sons.” (Ruth 1:1-5)
Word began to circulate that the Lord had blessed the people of Judah with good crops again. So Naomi, along with her two daughters-in-law, decided to leave Moab and return to her homeland, Judah. “But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes instead of coming with me. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept. “No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people.” But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has caused me to suffer.” (Ruth 1:8-13)
Side Note: Is the Lord orchestrating something? Is he creating circumstances, ordering steps, planning behind the scenes...things unknown to our simple minds? Does our suffering have a purpose? Is the suffering a part of “ALL THINGS working together for GOOD”? (Romans 8:28)
Will this suffering lead to something great?
The text continues, “And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi. “See,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. I will go wherever you go and live wherever you live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. I will die where you die and will be buried there. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” So when Naomi saw that Ruth had made up her mind to go with her, she stopped urging her.” (Ruth 1:14-18) Wow...that’s love and loyalty!
The chapter ends with Naomi and Ruth making it to Bethlehem, and the entire town was stirred by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked. “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why should you call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy?” (Ruth 1:19-21)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us see “the good” in our suffering and tragedies. Help us recognize the love you have for us. Help us remain faithful to you and trust that you have a greater plan. And even during our trials and tribulations...help us to praise you, knowing that you will make everything good. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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