THE BOOK2. OF RUTH. NAOMI RETURNS HOME.

TEN YEARS HAVE PASSED. Naomi hears that Israel is now flourishing and decides to return to her old country. Both daughters-in-law have come to love her and wish to go with her. They have learned that the true God of Israel is faithful to His promises!

Naomi refuses their wishes, so Orpha decides to retrace her steps back to the land of Moab to find safety and security in the home of her parents… and perhaps new love?

She clings to Naomi and begs her not to send her away, but only allows death to part them. There were, of course, many tears shed between them (see chapter 1:16). With tears flowing freely from her eyes, Ruth said to her dear mother-in-law,

Ruth, however, has grown to love Naomi and is willing to forgo everything for the widowed Naomi’s sake.

“PLEASE DON’T ASK ME TO LEAVE YOU AND TURN BACK HOME.

WHEREVER YOU TRAVEL, SO SHALL I.

WHERE YOU LIVE, SO SHALL I LIVE.

YOUR PEOPLE SHALL BE MY PEOPLE AND YOUR GOD SHALL BE MY GOD.

Naomi relents, as she can see that Ruth has embraced the Lord God of Israel! So, both women make the difficult journey back to Israel. An adventure for Ruth… yet reliving some difficult memories for Naomi!

Upon arrival, the whole city was moved because of them. Imagine the buzz… the gossip! “A woman, thought to be deceased, turning up again. And would you BELIEVE it, accompanied by a heathen!”

Some of Naomi’s friends hardly recognised her, since grief had left its mark upon her beautiful face. “Call me Mara… bitter”, she retorts.

Unbeknown to her, “GOD HAD A WONDERFUL FUTURE AND A HOPE” (Jeremiah 29:11) and a delightful plan for her life. Not only for Naomi, but of course, for PRECIOUS RUTH.

“IN RETURNING AND REST… SHALL BE YOUR STRENGTH,”

This is a lovely verse for you to make your own. If you have knowingly or unknowingly wandered far from home, spiritually, Jesus is waiting to welcome you.

He is so WILLING to FORGIVE AND GIVE YOU A FRESH START, AS IF YOU NEVER WANDERED IN THE FIRST PLACE.

What a wonderful SAVIOUR is JESUS OUR LORD!

PRAY this prayer of repentance.

“I’VE WANDERED FAR AWAY FROM GOD, NOW I’M COMING HOME.

THE PATHS OF SIN TOO LONG I’VE TROD.

LORD, I’M COMING HOME.”

THE FATHER IS STANDING WITH OUTSTRETCHED HANDS, AWAITING YOUR HOMECOMING. PLEASE COME HOME, NOW!

AMEN.