God's Faithfulness
In the book of Ruth, we read an account of how the Lord demonstrates His faithfulness to His undeserving people through the lives of Naomi and Ruth. Though only four chapters, this book is full of faith, hope, and kindness. Let’s take a look at two of the main individuals within the book of Ruth.
Naomi
Naomi, wife of Elimelech, was originally from Bethlehem. Being loyal to her husband, she followed him as he made the decision to escape famine in their homeland and relocate his family to the land of Moab. Though we are not sure how, the Bible tells us that Elimelech died in this land, leaving Naomi with her two sons. They continued to live in this land and Naomi’s sons, Mahlon and Chilion, took Moab wives, Orpah and Ruth. After living in the land of Moab for about ten years, Naomi’s sons also died, leaving Naomi with her two daughters-in-law and no male to provide for her family.
The grief that Naomi must have experienced during her time in Moab had to have been great. To have lost a husband… a son… and another son, I could not imagine. And though her daughters-in-law were present, I am sure she felt alone in her grief. Naomi had left everything that she had known to follow her husband and, within ten years, had seemingly lost it all.
Ruth
Ruth, wife of Mahlon and daughter-in-law of Naomi, was from Moab. She married her husband with dreams of spending her future with him and creating a family of her own one day. Unfortunately, she too experienced the sting of death and grief as she watched her husband die.
The Bible tells us that after the deaths of Naomi’s husband and children, Naomi decided to go back to her homeland. Though initially accompanied by her daughters-in-law, Naomi encouraged them to leave her and to stay behind in their homeland of Moab, knowing that she had nothing to offer them if they were to continue with her. Though Orpah turned back and returned to Moab, Ruth pleaded with Naomi to let her stay with her.
“For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people and your God will be my God.” – Ruth 1:16, CBS
Though battling her own emotions of grief and the impeding thoughts of how they would survive, Ruth made one decision that would change her life forever. She decided to remain loyal to Naomi. Ruth’s decision to stay by the side of her mother-in-law was a decision to follow God. Ruth had left everything that she had known to accompany Naomi and, in turn, experience God’s faithfulness and power of redemption in her life.
Two women, both left everything they had known.
Naomi left the Promised Land to reside in Moab. Ruth left Moab to reside in the Promised Land.
Both experienced heartache and grief in the land of Moab but God’s faithfulness and restoration in the Promised Land.
REFLECTION: Take a moment and ask yourself, “What direction am I moving?”
Have you taken steps that have led you away from God?
Naomi shows us that it is never too late to turn and head back to Him. She had followed her husband who had led her away from God’s provision. However, the moment that she decided to turn back, He provided a way for her. He will do the same for you!
Do you feel undeserving of God’s love due to your past?
Per societal standards of that day, Ruth was considered a foreigner, not worthy of God’s love and provision. But God saw her heart and provided her, a foreigner, a way of being grafted into the lineage of Jesus. Grace and mercy are offered to us, as well. Our past does not disqualify us from God’s calling if we repent and seek God with all our heart.
We learn in the remaining chapters of Ruth that Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem and experience the provision of God through their family redeemer, Boaz. Initially, Boaz provides for their earthly needs by offering food, water, and protection as Ruth works in his fields. Later, we learn that Boaz restores their family unit by marrying Ruth. Boaz and Ruth conceive a son named Obed, who would later become the grandfather of David and, ultimately, graft Boaz and Ruth into the lineage of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Book of Ruth reminds us that even when things seem hopeless, God is faithful, and He provides us with hope when we turn and seek Him.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13, NIV
“And not only this, but let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character; and proven character, hope and confident assurance. Such hope never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:2-5, AMP
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and the hope that You provide those that turn to You. May we never lose sight of Your provision in our daily lives but be a people that seek You in every situation.
Naomi
Naomi, wife of Elimelech, was originally from Bethlehem. Being loyal to her husband, she followed him as he made the decision to escape famine in their homeland and relocate his family to the land of Moab. Though we are not sure how, the Bible tells us that Elimelech died in this land, leaving Naomi with her two sons. They continued to live in this land and Naomi’s sons, Mahlon and Chilion, took Moab wives, Orpah and Ruth. After living in the land of Moab for about ten years, Naomi’s sons also died, leaving Naomi with her two daughters-in-law and no male to provide for her family.
The grief that Naomi must have experienced during her time in Moab had to have been great. To have lost a husband… a son… and another son, I could not imagine. And though her daughters-in-law were present, I am sure she felt alone in her grief. Naomi had left everything that she had known to follow her husband and, within ten years, had seemingly lost it all.
Ruth
Ruth, wife of Mahlon and daughter-in-law of Naomi, was from Moab. She married her husband with dreams of spending her future with him and creating a family of her own one day. Unfortunately, she too experienced the sting of death and grief as she watched her husband die.
The Bible tells us that after the deaths of Naomi’s husband and children, Naomi decided to go back to her homeland. Though initially accompanied by her daughters-in-law, Naomi encouraged them to leave her and to stay behind in their homeland of Moab, knowing that she had nothing to offer them if they were to continue with her. Though Orpah turned back and returned to Moab, Ruth pleaded with Naomi to let her stay with her.
“For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people and your God will be my God.” – Ruth 1:16, CBS
Though battling her own emotions of grief and the impeding thoughts of how they would survive, Ruth made one decision that would change her life forever. She decided to remain loyal to Naomi. Ruth’s decision to stay by the side of her mother-in-law was a decision to follow God. Ruth had left everything that she had known to accompany Naomi and, in turn, experience God’s faithfulness and power of redemption in her life.
Two women, both left everything they had known.
Naomi left the Promised Land to reside in Moab. Ruth left Moab to reside in the Promised Land.
Both experienced heartache and grief in the land of Moab but God’s faithfulness and restoration in the Promised Land.
REFLECTION: Take a moment and ask yourself, “What direction am I moving?”
Have you taken steps that have led you away from God?
Naomi shows us that it is never too late to turn and head back to Him. She had followed her husband who had led her away from God’s provision. However, the moment that she decided to turn back, He provided a way for her. He will do the same for you!
Do you feel undeserving of God’s love due to your past?
Per societal standards of that day, Ruth was considered a foreigner, not worthy of God’s love and provision. But God saw her heart and provided her, a foreigner, a way of being grafted into the lineage of Jesus. Grace and mercy are offered to us, as well. Our past does not disqualify us from God’s calling if we repent and seek God with all our heart.
We learn in the remaining chapters of Ruth that Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem and experience the provision of God through their family redeemer, Boaz. Initially, Boaz provides for their earthly needs by offering food, water, and protection as Ruth works in his fields. Later, we learn that Boaz restores their family unit by marrying Ruth. Boaz and Ruth conceive a son named Obed, who would later become the grandfather of David and, ultimately, graft Boaz and Ruth into the lineage of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Book of Ruth reminds us that even when things seem hopeless, God is faithful, and He provides us with hope when we turn and seek Him.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13, NIV
“And not only this, but let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character; and proven character, hope and confident assurance. Such hope never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:2-5, AMP
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and the hope that You provide those that turn to You. May we never lose sight of Your provision in our daily lives but be a people that seek You in every situation.
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!
No Comments