02/04/2023 - RETURN OF THE REPENTANT

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Now the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem. And it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was excited because of them; and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” Ruth 1.19

The Pleasant one came to her land. Naomi had gone out with her husband and two sons, but had returned alone with her Moabite daughter-in-law. Upon hearing the news of what had happened to her family, everyone was moved, and they certainly also helped Naomi in whatever way they could to establish herself in the city. There, the Lord would show her that there was something in her going to Moab that she did not even suspect, and the focus was her daughter-in-law, who stayed with her.

The Lord’s plans are beyond our capacity, and we can only understand them if we have His help. Those who submit to God in the accomplishment of His will, most certainly, will be well rewarded. Therefore, never murmur against Him for the bad things that happen. God loves us: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8.28).

The union of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was perfectly planned in Heaven. They got along as if they were mother and daughter. It is sad to see daughters of God not getting along well with their husband’s mother. The number of sons-in-law who don’t like their mother-in-law is small. A mother-in-law is like a second mother, and therefore, should be respected. Some Christians forget that the devil is the slanderer of the children of God. Set fire on the evil one!

The walk to Bethlehem must have been a little shorter, because one helped the other in some way, by chatting amicably. Certainly, Naomi thought about what the people of her homeland would say about her, but trusting in the Lord, she faced her fate without fearing what they might say. The welcome given to Naomi simply renewed her strength. It’s good to be supportive of people who have had traumatic experiences.

Everything indicated that her future would be difficult. Perhaps, before leaving for Moab, her husband had sold his portion of land, so it would not be returned to her until the Jubilee year. However, the person who trusts God knows that He does not forsake those who are faithful to Him (Leviticus 25.8-10; Psalm 9.10). Never forget this promise: No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1.5).

How thrilled Naomi must have been to see that she was arriving in Bethlehem. Everything was still the same as it was on the day of her departure. Her heart must have been beating fast. People would certainly ask how her husband and children were doing, and the answer would silence even the most talkative. It is not easy to leave with hope and come back without it, but everything works out for the good of those who love God. The Lord is great in everything!

Naomi must also have been thrilled to see how loved she was by everyone. She had gone out in search of the best, but she had lost her family. Feeling the weight of life alone was not easy; however, since she was a woman of faith, she would take the victory lap!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares