So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.”
(Ruth 4:13-15 NKJV)
At the beginning of our story, Naomi had lost everything: homeland, husband, sons. Any chance for grandchildren. She was alone and bitter—even changing her name to “Mara.”
She thought God had forgotten her. If only she’d remembered the history of her people and how God had always been faithful and had always provided. Even when things looked the darkest, her people could always trust Jehovah.
She could as well. Ruth had chosen to leave her own homeland and be a true daughter to Naomi. And in doing so, her selflessness opened up the door for redemption for herself—and for Naomi. Boaz’s redemption of Naomi’s property and marriage to Ruth were the beginning of tremendous blessing for Naomi—a true redemption.
And the women to whom she’d cried out in bitterness are the very same women who now reminded Naomi of how blessed she was—and would be. And yes, nothing could truly make up for the loss of her husband and sons, but God had a plan to fill those empty places in her heart.
I hope you come back tomorrow for the finale!
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