Finding Safety in God's Care, the Story of RuthSample

Naomi focuses on the external circumstances

“But Naomi said, ‘Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me?’” (Ruth 1:11)

Naomi is on her way to Israel. Her two daughters-in-law want to go with her, but Naomi strongly advises them against it. After all, she cannot offer them any prospects- they would be better off going back to their own relatives, finding a new husband, and happiness. Naomi knows very well that this also means that her two daughters-in-law will end up back in a pagan environment. She says this outright to Ruth: “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law” (Ruth 1:15).

Apparently, Naomi thinks the sober, factual circumstances of a husband and family are more important than a relationship with the Lord God, the God of Israel. Is she so disappointed in Him? Does she perhaps think — like many people today — that everyone should choose for themselves which god they want to serve, and it’s just fine as long as they live a good life and do not harm anyone? Does she shy away from placing her own God above other gods, as if that were arrogant? The Bible tells us little about Naomi's considerations. It does, however, hold up a mirror to us. Are we convinced that people only become truly happy when they live with the Lord God? Do we dare to tell them so?