A husband read an article to his wife about how women use 30,000 words a day to a man’s 15,000. The wife replied, “That’s because we have to repeat everything to men.” The husband turned to his wife and said, “What?” Source Unknown
What was Naomi and her sons listening to that kept them in Moab for 10 years?! Perhaps the better question would be, “What should they have been listening to?”
It is vital for the believer to have the right focus when looking to choose the right direction.
Remember:
They are living in enemy country
They are surrounded by worshippers of false gods
60 miles away from home (long way when traveled by camel)
ALL these things will affect choices…yet somehow, Naomi heard something of home! (v. 6)
Naomi has experienced some significant pressure in her life over the last 10 years. Pressure is hard…but pressure can be used for our own good.
Pressure Points (Ruth 1:1-5)
Husband Died
Two Sons Died (after 10 years)
Ties to Moab removed
Diamonds are formed under great pressure and heat. If these conditions do not exist, they are simply not formed. It is not that they will be low quality, or smaller in size, but they will not form. God brings His refining fire into our lives to create in us what He sees fit. When He sees our lack of character, He will bring into our lives what we need. So next time a fiery trial comes, thank God. He is producing exactly what He knows we need in our lives. The only difference between a diamond and a piece of coal is PRESSURE. (Source: the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College)
God brings pressure points into our lives to bring about something beautiful. The Lord is stirring in Naomi a work that will affect her, that will affect Ruth, and that will affect the family line of David.
A Fresh Look
These pressure points have been preparing Naomi’s heart for this news – “…for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.”
Naomi was ready to hear this news. She was ready to turn back to Bethlehem. She was ready to leave Moab. Naomi would still have much to work through in her heart and her relationship with God; however, God new she was ready for this first step.
Gold is one of the most valuable materials on earth. It has been used for centuries as money, but it also has many uses in industry, manufacturing, and even space flight. One of the traits that makes gold so useful is that it can be shaped and formed so easily. In fact, a single ounce of gold can be flattened out to cover three hundred square feet.
But gold ore dug out of the ground contains many other elements that must be removed prior to the gold being useful. The refining process for gold involves intense heat. Gold melts at a temperature of almost two thousand degrees Fahrenheit. That incredibly high temperature is required for gold to be ready to be used.
The Christian life involves much the same process. Sometimes we are surprised when “bad things happen to good people.” But the Scripture tells us that fiery trials are part of God’s refining process for our lives. Rather than griping or complaining when trials come, we should rejoice as we think of the end result, they will produce (James 1:1-5).
Naomi is not settled spiritually yet. She is still be struggling (seen especially when she changes her name to Mara… “Bitter”)…but God is ready to use Naomi and turn her back to Him. Movement to Christ is now taking place!
Where are you on your journey with the Lord?
Are you ready for fellowship with Him?
Are you wandering from Him?
Are you being refined as a beautiful vessel?
How encouraging it is to see God take wrong choices made by Elimelech and turn them about to pour blessings on Naomi and Ruth!
God is not finished with you yet!! Sure, you may have made bad choices, sinful choices – but don’t stop there! Confess and repent. Run back to Christ. Yield to His way. Enjoy the blessing of victorious Christian living.
Do you see the Lord blessing His people again?
Do you see their peace in the midst of a storm?
Do you see their genuine love for one another?
Do you long for all that and more -- once again?