NAOMI - A WOMAN FOR ALL SEASONS

Study Passage: All 4 Chapters of Ruth. 

Summarizing Passages: Ruth 1:11 – 18; 4:13 - 17

Introduction: The Book of Ruth seems to be more about Naomi’s prowess than Ruth’s. Ruth followed the lead of Naomi and entered into the majestic inheritance of the Royal Davidic and Messianic lineage. She could not have foreseen this, but the principles that she applied through the various seasons of her life made her stand out. Every woman has very valuable lessons to learn from Naomi. Naomi took her fear of the Lord very seriously and practically.

In Marriage

–        She stuck to her husband, though to leave Israel to Moab (outcasts in Israel) was not prime option (Ephrata meant fruitful, and Bethlehem meant home of bread), being of the kingship line of Judah – she followed the realism of her husband and was not foolhardy!

–        She stood with her sons in their choices of wives, although, ideally, one would think they should have returned to Israel to marry.

–        She planned for the re-marriage of Ruth, but, ultimately, left the choice for the couple, allowing all the processes to take its course.

–        Note also her choice of a worthy husband, following the lead of Ruth, who was not in a position to help herself in the circumstance.

In Bereavement 
– She took charge of the responsibilities thrust upon her, rather than simply lament and throw up her hands. That is probably how come her in-laws ended up with her. She ensured that her sons married properly, and kept the family close.

In Discipleship 
– She related excellently with her in-laws as with her own children to the extent that Ruth matured and took after her in the fear of the Lord God, loyalty, industry, humility (in speech and obedience) and wisdom. She knew when to let her protégés exercise their maturity, by making them decide whether to follow her or leave her. She was not going to drag them along against their will, although as an old woman she was entitled to their service.

In Hardship 
– She looked up to God, rather than blame any other source. Note that she did not show by any behaviour that she had turned her back on God. She rather talked about the justice of God, believing that whatever might have happened to her had come from God the Just. She after all returned home to the country of her God. And it was in the returning that she brought home a convert that spiced up her story.

In Birth and Happy Moments 
– She was available to celebrate and help raise the youngster to the extent that the child born was considered hers. She was so social that people celebrated her joyous moments. Even her grandson was named by her neighbour as Obed, the short form of Obadiah, meaning “Servant of God”.

Think Naomi: As an Israelite (Christian), appreciate and live the institutions of God (marriage), be prepared to take up mantles, disciple those around you, look to God in hardship, and celebrate the success of others.