Five Things We Can Learn from Naomi, Part 2

Today we conclude our two-part series about one of the most famous mothers in the Bible, Naomi, found in the Book of Ruth. In Part One, we learned that Naomi endured heartache, she was a mentor, and was brave. How else can we learn from Naomi?

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4. Naomi had wisdom.

By the time Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, completed the 7-10 day trek to Jerusalem, it was barley harvest time. The two women needed sustenance, so Ruth gleaned barley at a relative of Naomi’s field. The relative, Boaz, immediately noticed Ruth, and protected her by telling the male workers to not lay a hand on her. He showed her great favor because he was impressed by the sacrifice she made to follow Naomi, leaving her homeland to care for her mother-in-law and mentor. Boaz also knew that after worshipping many gods, as a Moabite, Ruth gravitated to the one true God of the Israelites, Jehovah.

Naomi paid attention to what was going on, and displayed her wisdom. She saw the favor Boaz gave Ruth. She noticed the attraction. She understood the Jewish law of “Guardian Redeemer,” and knew that Boaz was husband material. So Naomi said the following to Ruth:

“My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do” (Ruth 3:1-4).

Ruth did what Naomi instructed. Some have implied that Boaz and Ruth consummated their relationship through this exercise, but there’s nothing to indicate that. It seems quite the opposite. Boaz and Ruth had the opportunity, but refused to disobey God’s law. Ruth trusted God, and Naomi was wise to put the plan together.

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Do you take time, like Naomi, to step back and analyze a situation? Do you use wisdom?

In James 1:5, the Word says we can all be wise like Naomi. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

What situation do you need wisdom in? Just ask God for it and he will freely provide from his eternal storehouse of wisdom.

Gods restoration

5. God restored Naomi’s life.

Naomi’s wise plan worked. Boaz was not next in line to marry Ruth, so he asked permission from the nearest kinsman redeemer to wed Ruth, who was unable to fulfill that duty. The path was clear for Boaz to become Ruth’s husband. Once married, Ruth also boar Boaz a son, Obed, and while Ruth was the biological mother, Naomi claimed the son as her own, and why not? It was because of Naomi’s obedient move back to her homeland, because of her character and faith, that Ruth decided to go with her. It’s because of Naomi’s wisdom and strategic plan that Ruth married Boaz, and had a baby.

The women of Bethlehem recognized the turnaround and said, “Look, Naomi has a son!” Naomi paraded the baby around like it was hers, and Obed was a visual representation of God’s restoration in Naomi’s life.

She was no longer Mara, or “bitter”, anymore. She was back to her old self, Naomi, which in the Hebrew means “pleasantness.”

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God is the restorer of lives, but he works best when we follow him where he leads.

Many times, because of our faithfulness, there is a blessing that goes beyond our years. Naomi probably never dreamed her life would be displayed in the Bible, and the subject of blogs and studies for thousands of years. Naomi probably never fathomed her little grandson, Obed, would be in the lineage of the great King David, then the Messiah of the world, Jesus Christ.

Naomi experienced restoration, and left a legacy for her children, her grandchildren and generations to follow. Do you have someone that has done that for you?

live the way you want to be remembered

Through your life choices, are you depositing  a legacy for your children, your grandchildren, and generations to follow?

If not, it’s never too late to start. Pray, and ask God to provide ways to glorify him. Be willing, like Naomi, to do whatever it takes, even if it means a sacrifice. He greatly blesses our obedience to him.

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One Comment

  1. Always excellent. I have a book women of the Bible. Think that will be a good recovery book to read. Thanks always for your inspiration and love of God. God bless you always.

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