We Are Family – Naomi And Ruth’s Story
Family is the foundation of who we are. Family is meant to be a blessing, but sometimes we have to look beyond the ties of blood to see who our true family is.
Naomi and Ruth’s Story
Elimelek, Naomi, and their sons, Mahlon and Kilion, evacuated their homeland and relocated to Moab amid a period of severe famine and drought in Israel. Naomi was left to care for their sons after Elimelek passed away while they were there.
The sons matured and married Moabite women. Ruth and Orpah were the names of the two individuals. Both young women were devoted and affectionate spouses and daughters-in-law to their husbands and Ruth. However, the family was once again struck by the tragedy of young widowhood when both Mahlon and Kilion passed away.
Ruth was informed that her homeland was once again flourishing shortly after their deaths, and she resolved to return. Although it had been many years since she had departed, she had family members in the area who could at least offer her some measure of security.
Ruth and Orpah expressed their willingness to accompany her upon learning of her intentions. She was moved by their devotion, but she informed them that they were not required to attend. Ultimately, she had nothing to contribute.
They could at least be provided for by their families or potentially remarry by remaining in Moab. Ruth declined to remain in Moab, despite Orpah’s tearful acceptance. She was determined to depart with Ruth. Consequently, they departed.
Naomi directed Ruth to visit Boaz’s wheat fields upon her return to the Israelites.
When Boaz learned who Ruth was and why she was there, he told the men to drop a little extra and he assured Ruth that she would be safe-that no one would bother her.
It didn’t take long for Ruth and Boaz to fall in love and get married. Their son, Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David, and so on…right down the line to Jesus.
What We Can Learn From Ruth and Naomi
Today’s culture and society are much different than back in the days of these two women but never underestimate the value of what we can learn from history…
Lesson One:
Family is not always defined by blood relations.
It is a fact that certain individuals are related to us by blood, but we do not consider them to be family. These individuals do not even remotely resemble the definition of the term. This is a disheartening reality; however, it does not have to deprive you of the sense of belonging that we all desire and require.
Family may serve as a trusted confidant or group of peers who are committed to your well-being and who are assured that they will never betray you or intentionally disappoint you. If it is deemed necessary, family can consist of your husband and offspring, without the approval of extended family members.
Your in-laws may be considered family; individuals who cherish you as their own and extend a warm welcome. Your church family can be akin to your family; they are brothers and sisters in Christ who are much more than the individuals you attend church with on Sundays.
Ruth was not required to fulfil any obligations during her stay with Naomi. In any capacity, she was not obligated to her, except for affection and respect. Relationships are founded on love and respect, or at least they should be.
Lesson Two:
If you have God on your side, no situation is doomed.
Naomi and Ruth were confronted with a variety of challenges, including drought, famine, mortality, and the inability to independently support themselves. But they refused to surrender. They assessed the circumstance, utilised their resources, and placed their faith in God in order to survive.
God demonstrated his respect for their integrity and faith in him by placing the appropriate individuals in their lives to facilitate positive outcomes.
It is imperative that you follow suit. Rather than viewing the glass as half empty or feeling as though life is conspiring against you, maintain your attention on God. Seek his advice and direction, and then adhere to it. You will not be disappointed or deprived of the necessary items.
Lesson Three:
Submissiveness is not a dirty word.
Naomi was obedient to her husband’s decision to relocate to a foreign country. Ruth was submissive to Naomi when she agreed to labour in Boaz’s fields. Naomi was obedient to her culture by enlisting the assistance of her distant relative, Boaz. Ruth was not harassed or mistreated by Boaz’s employees, who were submissive to their employer and left wheat for her.
Ruth was a person of submission to
Throughout the development of their relationship and as his wife, Boaz adhered to his instructions. Ultimately, the advent of Jesus was the consequence of these acts of submission.
It is not detrimental or improper to be submissive or obedient. By being submissive and obedient, you can exist under the protection of God’s promises and the protection of a husband who adores you and desires the best for you (provided that you marry a Godly man).
A certain level of job security is provided by being submissive and subservient. Being obedient and subservient to the law enables you to live without the need to watch your back and to appreciate the rights and liberties of our nation.
Being obedient and submissive alleviates the stress and pressure of being entirely responsible for all aspects of one’s existence and the necessity of self-sufficiency. Submissiveness and obedience are actually quite liberating.
To Sum It All Up
Ruth and Naomi teach us what it means to dedicate yourself to loving and respecting those who love and respect you. They teach us what it means to be a true family and what it means to trust God to keep you where he wants you to be.