Day 2- Ruth 1:1-5
Opening Prayer: Father, help us to see your hand in suffering as we read about Naomi’s loss.
Read: Ruth 1:1-5
In your 4R journal:
- Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you?
- Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you.
Is there anything more unsettling to a wife and mother than moving to a new home, especially in a town or country where you may not be accepted? Ironically, death, the very thing Elimelech tried to avoid in Bethlehem, came upon him in Moab. Afterward, Chilion and Mahlon, Naomi’s sons, wed Moabite women.
Reflection:
- Have you ever made a hasty decision because you thought it was the only way?
My verse: Ruth 1:5, “both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.”
My Response: Abba, Father, You know what it is to watch Your Son die. Thank you for being our comforter when we suffer loss. Thank you for the hope of resurrection and eternal life with Jesus!
The loss of a husband, especially in the time of the Judges, was life-threatening. But the added loss of her two sons devastated Naomi because she also lost her security and hope for the future. She was physically, spiritually, and emotionally destitute.
In many ways I empathize with Naomi. Although the scripture doesn’t clarify, I imagine the move was not her idea. It would be like leaving the United States, perhaps the small town where you grew up, and moving to modern day Russia where the culture and language is so foreign to our own. Not to mention, you have no friends, family, or property. I believe I would have come to the same conclusion as Naomi when she said, “the Lord has dealt bitterly with me.” After all, she lost her entire family and was far from home.
But God, as we shall see, gave Naomi a gift in Ruth, this foreign woman. Through Ruth’s obedience and devotion God made a way for redemption. In the end, God provided for Naomi in a very unusual and unexpected way. Now, as we anticipate what God will do in our own lives, I pray Ruth would encourage our hearts and remind us that God is faithful, good, and sovereign.
“May the Lord reward your work and may your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” (Ruth 2:12 NASB)
The next step:
When the Spirit leads, share your response in the comment section below.
3 Comments. Leave new
My verse was Ruth 1:5, “both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.”
Dear Father God, my heart aches at the absolute bankruptcy of relationships Naomi had to endure. It hurts even more knowing that there was no one around her in Moab who remembered her wedding or the birth of her two sons. No one to share the memories with who was there. She really is the “female Job” of the Bible … and yet her faith in You did not waver despite her grief and bitterness. I’m so thankful we know her whole story.
My verse is “The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.”
Elimelek means “my God is King” and is from the tribe of Judah. The redemptive power of Jesus is at work right from the start of Ruth’s story.
Kathy – I somehow missed your comment here. I love that note on the meaning of Elimelek’s name and I am thrilled you joined me for this study on the website.