So much of the vitality and intimacy we feel as we read the Book of Ruth is communicated through the dialogue. When Naomi tries to convince her daughters-in-law to return to their families, you hear her agony- “It is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.” The words of Naomi show that she has been backed into a spiritual corner. The circumstances of her life, difficult as they are, have made her bitter. Listen to her words:
· “Call me Mara” (her name means “pleasant” but she prefers “bitter” because of her resent experience.
· “The Lord has dealt very bitterly with me”
· “I went away full and the Lord has brought me back empty.” All of her phrases show her being acted upon from the outside- the object and victim of God’s providence. Only here do we have Naomi as the subject of her sentence- she describes her husband and children as fullness before the calamity.
· “The Lord has testified against me.” To her it seems a friend has betrayed her in court.
· “The Almighty has brought calamity on me.”
Notice that the text never blames Naomi or makes her circumstances the consequences of sin. She is left without explanation for her distress. What could we say to encourage her?
1. 1. Thank you for your faithfulness. In your bitterness, you have never denied your Lord. Chemosh has never been an option.
2. 2. You have been a witness. Ruth is watching, learning, trusting. It is amazing after all you have been through that Ruth says “Your God will be my God.”
3. 3. Your return will be your salvation. In returning and rest will you be saved, in quietness and confidence will be your strength. (See Isaiah 30:15)
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