Sometimes we feel far from God and separated from him but if we let God use us even in our worst times, we can still reflect the Lord’s love and message of hope to others
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I have recently read in my daily readings the Book of Ruth, a wonderful book which draws our attention to the account of an amazing woman of valour Ruth (a Moabitess and foreigner to Israel) and her faithfulness and obedience, which resulted in her becoming part of the lineage of The Lord Jesus. But it was to Naomi her mother in law that I was drawn. We don’t often hear about Naomi in popular sermons on this book, but in reading it again this time I was struck by the character, faithfulness and wisdom of Naomi.
When famine came on the land of Israel Naomi obeyed her Husband and left all she knew and travelled to Moab, where they settled and raised a family. Her 2 boys married local girls and all went well until her Husband and both her sons died. Three women alone in Moab was not a good prospect, so Naomi acted wisely and decided to go back to her roots (Israel) But she counselled the two girls to return to their old homes and people advising them to marry again. But Ruth saw something in the character and life of Naomi that compelled her not to leave her mother-in-law. The bond that had grown between them was stronger than mother and daughter! Ruth begged her “Don`t ask me to leave you, wherever you live I will live, your people will be my people and your God will be my God”. (Ruth 1 v 16 NLT). Naomi had managed to represent God`s goodness so faithfully, that even at a time when Naomi herself felt the Lord had `raised his fist` against her, her lifestyle had made Ruth want to leave behind her old life and follow Naomi`s God. What an insight: sometimes we feel far from God and separated from him (Naomi asked people to call her `Mara` which means `bitter` she felt so desolate) but if we let God use us even in our worst times, we can still reflect the Lord’s love and message of hope to others. – A woman of Valour-
So, they are now returned to Israel, but how will they live? Ruth asked if she could go and gather grain left behind after the harvesters had cut down the Barley. Naomi let her go, she didn’t hold her close at home for fear of what could happen to her. She enabled Ruth to seek ways of sustaining herself and her mother-in-law. When Ruth returned that night and told of the man Boaz, who`s field she had worked in and who had been so kind to her, Naomi recognised who Boaz was and knew his character. She advised Ruth she would be safe with him! Naomi recognised Boaz as Ruth`s eventual saviour and redeemer and directed her towards the safety of his keeping. – A woman of Valour-
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So long story short- At the right time Naomi recognises that she must share the whole plan for Ruth to have a permanent home, so she will be provided for. So, she identifies Boaz as Ruth's kinsman redeemer and lays out clearly the way for Ruth to both understand, claim and obtain the redemption Boaz can secure for her. (read Ruth chapters 3&4 for the whole story its lovely). Naomi waited for the right time, for the directing of the Lord, and the way to introduce Ruth to Boaz as her own personal redeemer. She then supported her through the whole process until Ruth was finally fully redeemed by Boaz. -A woman of Valour-
Often the story of Ruth highlights Ruth's journey, her character and her obedience and final redemption. It also highlights Boaz as a benevolent redeemer, who cares for Ruth and at his own cost buy her back to himself and takes her into his family. It also points the finger to the future that King David comes from the line of Boaz and Jesus comes from the line of David. So, this union is no small union and the book of Ruth is so much more than a love story. Its one of those pivotal points in Israel's history. But it also highlights what can be achieved in the Lord by a -Woman of Valour- Naomi`s faithful following of the Lord's leading is evident all through the story. Returning to her roots in God's land at her lowest point; of supporting Ruth when another person to support may have been the last thing she had wanted; of seeing with the eye of faith the provision of the Lord for Ruth and not holding back from sharing that with her; for realising that even though the Lord had led her through times of bitterness and pain that was not necessarily the end of the story.
We may not all end up being Ruths, highlighted as being instrumental in a lineage that produced Kings and a Saviour. That is for some but not for all. But we can all be Naomis -Women of Valour- who faithfully do not give up or lose hope, who have our ears open to the possibilities of God's provision, and who obediently follow the direction of the Lord even if it sounds a bit odd or risky. Who facilitate others to find their true redemption and potential in the Lord. It is equally important and valiant. If you get time read the whole of Ruth (its not long) and ask the Lord to direct you to the truth he wants you to glean from the story. Also take a minute to read Proverbs 31:10-31 A wife of noble character. It ends with the words “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the lord will be greatly praised” V30 NLT
And for those who think this is only a message to women it is not. - Men of Valour -need the same characteristics, and faithfulness in following the Lord’s direction; to facilitate those God has placed in their care to find their true redemption and potential in the Lord; and to grow into true Men of God who display the nature and love of their redeemer.
Be blessed today.
Author: Jan Pearson
May God bless and enrich your life
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