So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ruth 4:13-17)
The story of Ruth begins with a woman named Naomi and her husband Elimelech who lived in Bethlehem with their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. When a famine struck the land, Elimelech took his family and move to a country called Moab. While living in Moab, Elimelech and his two sons died, leaving Naomi all alone. Naomi’s grief caused her to become angry with God. “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” (Ruth 1:20)
Bitterness is a destructive force that can take root in our hearts and poison our relationships with God and others. Though we may feel justified to be bitter, it can keep us from experiencing God’s joy and peace. God does not want us to hold on to our bitterness. He wants us to release our pain to Him and find healing in His love and grace.
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
God did not leave Naomi. He continued to love her, even during her time of bitterness.
- He gave her a daughter-in-law named Ruth to comfort and care for her during her time of distress
- He led Ruth to the field of a man named Boaz who abundantly provided for their needs
- He brought Ruth and Boaz together and caused them to become husband and wife
- And through the union of Ruth and Boaz, a child was born who became the forefather of the Lord Jesus Christ
God bless you, Brethren.
* Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New King James Version.
"Seeds of Faith" 