19 So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” 20 She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” Ruth 1:19-21
Naomi
Naomi left Bethlehem with her husband and two sons, she returned a widow with a widowed daughter-in-law. Her family of four has been reduced to two. Her husband and two sons were buried in Moab along with her hopes and dreams. Ten years have passed since she left Bethlehem with her family in search for sustenance during the famine. During her time away her sons each married a Moabite woman. Fittingly enough, neither of her daughters-in-law gave her a grandchild before they were widowed. In many respects, Naomi was a female version of Job.
Poor Naomi.
Mara
When the people of Bethlehem greeted Naomi on her return, she asked them to call her by a different name. Mara. A name more appropriate for her altered disposition. Whereas Naomi means pleasant; Mara means bitter. Naomi came home a different person. She could not change her circumstances so she wanted to change her name to reflect her circumstances. She tells the people that Shaddai, the Almighty, has dealt bitterly with her. Naomi laments that she went away full but has returned empty.
Poor Mara.
Circumstances
How sad it is when we think our circumstances define us. What a lie from the pits of hell. One can’t blame Naomi for being sad about her loss. We all know the reality of the pain of separation caused by death. But bitterness? That is a dangerous emotion. One that belongs on the altar.
Naomi. Don’t be so quick to change your name. Take a look around you. Take your eyes off of yourself for a minute. Don’t miss the big picture. You left your land and your people to save yourself. Your son’s married women from a people of idol worshipers. No mention is ever made of you consulting God or looking for His blessing. Yet you blame Him for your loss?
Poor Naomi.
Faith?
Where is your faith? The people you left don’t need your complaints, they need your encouragement. They don’t need an accusatory finger blaming God, they need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness. While you are lamenting the loss of your children, God’s children are living in apostasy. As such, you’re not helping the “Kingdom”.
Nevertheless, God is not blind to your troubles. Neither is He blind to the needs of His people. You went to Moab looking for food. God went with you to give you Ruth. You didn’t leave Bethlehem full. Nor did you return to Bethlehem empty.
Poor Naomi.
Blessings
God has greatly blessed you and you are missing it. You went away to save yourself. God has safely brought you and Ruth home to deliver His people. In His timing. You might blame Shaddai for your troubles, but Yahweh is about to reveal Himself to you.
God is not going to interrogate you the way He did Job, but He has other means of bringing His children around. Again; open your eyes and look around. Look for the hand of God working “behind the scenes”.
Blessed Naomi.
Hope
Look at the barley fields ready to be harvested. You left Bethlehem during a famine, you return to fields ready to be harvested. The fields represent a hope you did not have when you and your sons left. Your basket was empty then. It is soon to be overflowing.
You left with your husband whose name meant, My God is King. You have returned with Ruth who exemplifies total commitment to your God. I don’t know the character of your lost sons but I don’t know how they could have shown you a more sacrificial love than Ruth.
Blessed Naomi.
Provision
Look at the measures of barley in your home. Ruth has gleaned and been gifted more barley than you can consume. Yahweh has providentially placed her under the protection of your relative Boaz. Not only is Ruth assured successful gleaning, she is also under the protection of Boaz. But Boaz is more than just a provider and protector, he is a redeemer.
Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion are buried in Moab. They can no longer provide for you and protect you. But while you lament their loss, Yahweh has guided you and Ruth to your kinsmen redeemer. A relative who can deliver you from your troubles.
Blessed Naomi.
Progeny
Look at that child in your lap. Boaz has agreed to marry Ruth and ensure your legacy. After ten years in Moab, your sons did not provide you with grandchildren. But now Ruth has. Obed. Your first grandson. How fitting his name means servant.
That grandson in your lap will one day have a grandson of his own. He also will come from Bethlehem. He will be a man after God’s own heart. He will be a mighty King. Yes Naomi, as you look into the eyes of Obed you are beholding the grandfather of King David. And you thought you came back to Bethlem empty?
Providence
God’s timing is not ours. His ways are far above ours. He sees the entire picture while we tend to concentrate on the here and now. If only Naomi could see what the future beholds, she would see another King from Bethlehem. The Messiah, Jesus Christ. Her descendant.
Naomi; meet Yahweh. The Great I Am. He will never change His name because He will never change. His name reflects His character; there is no need to worry about your circumstances.
You said you were bitter because of the judgement of the Almighty who brought you calamity. The world considers you blessed because of the providence of Yahweh. Because of the grace of Yahweh, a world in need of a Redeemer will be blessed by your offspring for all of eternity.
Enjoy your grandson Naomi and don’t forget to praise God for His faithfulness.
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him. – Psalm 126:5-6