Naomi – Stalwart with resilient faith

Naomi lived between 1370 and 1031 BC, most likely when Jair (1126 and 1105 B.C.) was the Judge.

Three widows

Naomi and Elimelech along with their two sons (Mahlon and Chilion) decide to migrate from Bethlehem to Moab fearing drought and famine in Israel. (Ruth 1:1-3) It was about 30 miles journey. The result was disastrous. Elimelech and his two sons died. Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth became a team of three widows. Without income, property, identity, and hope, Naomi decides to go to Israel.

Five Phases of Life of Naomi

1. Drought and Doubt

Naomi was an active participant in the decision to migrate.

2. Progress and Pitfall

There was some progress when both sons Mahlon and Chilion were married. Then Naomi had to bury her husband and two sons. Widow in a strange land was filled with utter darkness and hopelessness.

3. Faith and Hope

When she heard that God had visited his people and there was rain, she decided to go to Israel. (Ruth 1:6-9) Her attitude towards her daughters-in-law is exemplary. First, she treated them with dignity; Second gave them options – freedom to choose; third, acknowledged their goodness; four wished them a new marriage and home. She accepted Ruth and took her.

4. Redeemed and Restored

Noami wished to call herself Mara – bitterness and empty. (Ruth 1:20,21) Naomi encouraged Ruth to go to work. (Ruth 2) That leads to a meeting of Ruth with Boaz. Sensing God’s plan, Naomi pursues her legal rights to get Ruth married to Boaz, a kinsman who could redeem Ruth. She also encouraged Ruth.

5. Greatness and Genealogy

God’s intervention in Naomi’s life is that of: Faith, Faithfulness, Fulness, and Fruitfulness. God honored the faith of Naomi. Ruth and Boaz were married as he was a righteous, generous, kind, and godly man. The boy born to Ruth and Boaz was reckoned as the son of Naomi. Ruth's name is found in the genealogy of Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:5) Therefore, Naomi was a kind of adoptive grandparent in the lineage of Christ.

Learning from Naomi

1. Grateful (1:8; 2:20): Naomi was a grateful woman. Yes, she went through difficult times of death, destruction, and disaster. Yet she would retain her faith, and be grateful to God.

2. Loving- (1:9): Naomi’s love radiates throughout the book. Experiencing such bitterness, she was never cursing everybody and everything. She genuinely loved Ruth.

3. Wise- (2:22, 3:3-4, 18): Naomi was wise. Despite bad circumstances and happenings around her, she moved forward making wise decisions.

4. Protective-(2:22-23; 3:1): Naomi was protective to defend Ruth.She paved a good life for Ruth.

5. Patient-(3:18): Naomi showed great patience and moved forward amid all adversities.

6. Unselfish (4:3-5): Naomi was willing to sell her land, which was her security, risking her future to help Ruth.

Challenge

Leaders are Ordinary people placed in extraordinary circumstances who reveal God’s character and glory that inspires others. Will I be resilient with faith that is as Naomi had?