Naomi- a pleasant Person


As her name implies she was a happy, loving and pleasant person. She loved and cared for her family, daughters-in-laws, friends and relatives. As a faithful wife she had to leave her inheritance in the promised land, to accompany her husband to a forbidden land at the time of famine/adversity.

Elimelech, her husband did not realize that the famine was God’s curse as the Israelites disobeyed Lord. Deuteronomy 28:33 says “People you do not know will eat what your land and labor produce, and you will have nothing but cruel oppression all your days” .Elimelech, the head of the family took the decision to go to Moab where there was food, (physical blessings)but away from the Lord their provider ( spiritual blessings). He might had a plan to come back when things get better in Canaan.Actually Moabites were ruling and ruining Israel at that period, may be at the time of Ehud (Judges 3: 14-“ The Israelites were subject to Eglon, king of Moab for 18 years”.) Sadly Elimelech could not return, he died in Moab. His both sons took wives from that land which was against God’s command, they also died.

We can not escape Lord’s wrath by running away from Him. As in Psalms 139 :7 David asks”Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?”. We need repentance for our sins and reconciliation with our Savior.

Naomi stayed in Moab for ten years, for how long her sons were alive after their marriages is not mentioned, but it was not a long period. But Naomi could make a place in the hearts of her daughters-in- law.She was a loving, kind, caring and a devoted mother to them. She wished their happiness and well being. Both Orpah and Ruth did not want to leave her, they wanted to accompany Naomi to the Land of Israelites. Even in the foreign land Naomi worshiped and prayed to the living God Almighty.

She would have kept on telling her daughters-in-law about the Mighty God and all the miracles He had done to bring Israelites from slavery in Egypt to Canaan. Hence they also started loving the Lord of Israel. We should not waste any chances of witnessing our Lord among our friends, relatives or colleagues. How our Lord saved and protected us when we were at our Red Sea of obstacles, during our days of desert journey of uncertainty, in our fight against enemies like sickness, depression and losses. ”Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained “1 Samuel 2: 30.They also would have heard about the Wonderful God who changed their King Balak’s desire to curse Israelites to their blessings.

Even though Orpah left after so much persuasion, Ruth determined to go with Naomi and to take refuge under the wings of the Lord Almighty.
When they reached Bethlehem Naomi told her people, Ruth 1:21” I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty “But she did not come to the Lord empty, she saved and brought another soul (Ruth) to Lord’s presence. In Deuteronomy 16:16,17” No man should appear before the Lord empty handed. Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you”.

Dear Lord, enable us to bring the gifts pleasing to you the way You have blessed us, when we come to our heavenly Canaan. Father, reform us to be your channels to spread Your Love, Grace and Faithfulness and gain more souls for the Kingdom of God.

Stay blessed
Dr Thara George