Naomi – A journey from godless ambition to gracious restoration:

Three Lessons from the life of Naomi. By Brother Chrysolyte [ June 22, 2013]
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Scripture portion: I went out full and the LORD hath brought me home again empty. Ruth 1:21a.

Introductory remarks:

The book of Ruth is unique in all the books of the bible for it revolves around the life of a woman – Naomi. Everything in the book is viewed from Naomi’s eyes. In a way, the book of Ruth is about her; her family (1:1-2), her losses (1:3-5), her daughter’s in law (1:4), her town (1:1), her kinsmen (2:1) and her heir (4:17).

· Though many scholars date the events to later years of the Judges, it would more appropriately fit the earlier times of Judges; precisely during fourscore years of rest following Israel’s conquest of Moab when Ehud the left-handed Judge of Israel smote Eglon with one thrust of his hidden dagger (Judges 3: 12-30).

· If the book of Judges records the apostasy of God’s people at a macro level, the book of Ruth lays bare their spiritual decay at the family level. Understandably, whenever a local assembly reeks of carnality it certainly indicates a mirror-situation in a few, if not considerable number, of the individual believers. Our response in such situations should not be one of judgement or that of purging but one of repentance and supplication for restoration of the wayward. For e.g. Neh 1:6; Jer 3:25; Dan 9:5.

We for now will focus on just 3 lessons from the life of Naomi.

· Lesson 1

Be United – only in furthering God’s purposes; else be the hedge!

Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. Ruth 1:1.

Both Naomi and Elimelech had the option and the example of their near and dear to stay put in Bethlehem despite hardships. No matter who of the couple had proposed the idea of migrating to Moab to escape travails of famine, they agreed it was good. Each of them individually committed themselves to the decision. Naomi takes equal responsibility and says ‘I went out’ (1:21).

Unity is a good thing. Ps 133:1. But not when it leads to drifting away from God’s purposes, from God’s people or from God’s chastisement. The scriptures abound in instances where God reprimanded those who united to do things that He did not approve of.

Adam (Gen 3:17)

Abraham (compare Gen16: 2 with Gen 17: 18-19)

Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5: 2 & 9)

God desires that we stand as hedges for one another in the assembly and in our families when someone proposes an idea that has no sanction of the Spirit’s guidance. When we take a stand in obedience to God, though in minority, it pleases the Lord and He takes count of it for eternal reward.

· Lesson 2

Be Patient – hard times only hasten God’s blessings; they don’t last forever!

Then she arose with her daughters in law that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. Ruth 1:6.

The LORD allows tough times for a purpose and for a season. He doesn’t forsake His people forever.

Just like a catapult is retracted a few inches so that the pellet hits its target tens of meters away, He may allow hardships for a season so we reap blessings beyond our imagination.

Psalm 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

· Lesson 3

Be Wise – on hindsight, God’s plans will dwarf yours; don’t let haste hurt your prospects to greatness!

I went out full and the LORD hath brought me home again empty. Ruth 1:21a.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: …Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king. Matt 1: 1 & 5 (NKJV)

It’s a paradox that Naomi now says ‘I went away full’ when we put her statement in the context that Naomi and Elimelech moved to Moab from Bethlehem’s famine, seeking fullness in Moab. In reality, all her efforts were like – to quote her great grandson Solomon - chasing after the wind (Eccl 2:17). The LORD graciously brought her back from the hollow mirages of Moab to Bethlehem’s filling harvest.

But the damage done is obvious and permanent. Elimelech and Mahlon/Kilon missed the greatness bus. They, instead of Boaz, should have been in the Lord’s line of descent. Their failure to subject themselves to the dealings of Jehovah cost them an opportunity of eternal import. What a loss the cunning wisdom of the world can cause in matters of spiritual walk.

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