She was real. She struggled in life like all of us.
What she called her boys was a reflection of where her life was at: Mahlon means “sickly, ill or unhealthy” and Chilion means, “pining or failing”.
Going to Moab is symbolic of going back to our old life without God’s covering.
We read that Elimelech and Naomi “went to sojourn” (Vs.1) in Moab. Yet we read, “They came into the country of Moab, and continued there” (Vs.2). Their original plans were to be in Moab for a short time, but they ended up making their home there. Likewise today people step away from the covering of the church.
Changing locations may not solve your problems – the way you leave is the way you enter.
She doesn’t hide her pain, deny her pain, run from her pain, or worry about it.
Ruth 1:20, 21 She answered them, “Don’t call me Naomi [Sweet]. Call me Mara [Bitter] because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why do you call me Naomi when the Lord has tormented me and the Almighty has done evil to me?”
She was repentant. She returned with Ruth to the protection under God’s wings.
It was not just that she returned to Bethlehem, but we read that she returned, “from the country of Moab” (Vs.6). She was turning her back on Moab. That is repentance.
Ruth 1:6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had visited His people by giving them bread.
Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Repentance is the starting point. She still had issues in her life.
Ruth 2:12 God reward you well for what you’ve done—and with a generous bonus besides from God, to whom you’ve come seeking protection under his wings.
She was resilient. She was willing to move back and start over.
Ruth 1:19 So both of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was excited about them. “This can’t be Naomi, can it?” the women asked.
She was willing to ask for help. Pride was not an issue in her life.
James 4:6 But God shows us even more kindness. Scripture says, “God opposes arrogant people, but he is kind to humble people.”
She focused on what she could control and her concerns began to shrink.
She was responsible.
She wanted the best for her daughters-in-law. As a widow she would bravely lead Ruth back to Bethlehem.
Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?"
She was resourceful.
She took advantage of the system of the day to provide for her family. She taught her how to pick up the grain left for the unfortunate and empowered her to find the right husband.
Ruth 3:3 Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don’t let Boaz see you until he has finished his meal.
She was rewarded.
Ruth 4:15-17a May this child restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you so much and who has been better to you than seven sons!” Naomi took care of the baby and cared for him as if he were her own. The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!"
