Ruth 1:19
Throughout most of my life I’ve almost always made friends that ended up moving away. My closest friend growing up moved to Kentucky when I was in elementary school. A friend of mine moved to Tennessee a few years ago, another moved to Montana, and most recently my best friend moved to Ohio. Sadly, I've had to adjust to what long distance friendship looks like (or doesn’t look like). Thankfully I am still close to two of the friends I’ve mentioned. All that to say, moving out of your home town is almost always an upgrade. It’s usually for a new job, relationship, better climate, or more enjoyable lifestyle. To move back home in most cases is a downgrade.
Naomi experienced this. She lived in Moab for many years, but after the passing of her husband and her sons, it was time to go back home to Bethlehem, her hometown. I can imagine she didn’t want to go, it would be an embarrassment to all in her home town. She left with plenty and is coming back with nothing, except Ruth by her side. Returning home was the only logical decision at this point. After all, that's where the food was and she needed to eat! Upon hearing that the Lord was providing food for Judah, Naomi sets out. Upon arriving, our text says the whole town stirred…because of them. In particular the women of Bethlehem ask, “Could this be Naomi?” Here is Naomi back in her hometown, probably exhausted or even embarrassed, but the town starts talking and drawing attention to her. What might seem like gossip, is actually concern. The Hebrew wording here leans towards concern, curiosity, and shock. Those who knew Naomi knew something wasn’t right upon her return.
God sometimes takes us where we don’t want to go. What can seem like a downgrade to us, is often exactly where God wants us to be. Later, we will see how this detour ended in security, provision, restoration, and even a grandson for Naomi! What seemed to be the end, was only the beginning for these ladies. God was going to take care of them in a POWERFUL way. Are you in a detour right now? Maybe God has you somewhere that just doesn’t make sense. As we continue in the story of Ruth over the next few weeks, I hope it gives you encouragement to keep going. We may not understand why God has us where He does, but hang tight, the story isn’t over.
Naomi experienced this. She lived in Moab for many years, but after the passing of her husband and her sons, it was time to go back home to Bethlehem, her hometown. I can imagine she didn’t want to go, it would be an embarrassment to all in her home town. She left with plenty and is coming back with nothing, except Ruth by her side. Returning home was the only logical decision at this point. After all, that's where the food was and she needed to eat! Upon hearing that the Lord was providing food for Judah, Naomi sets out. Upon arriving, our text says the whole town stirred…because of them. In particular the women of Bethlehem ask, “Could this be Naomi?” Here is Naomi back in her hometown, probably exhausted or even embarrassed, but the town starts talking and drawing attention to her. What might seem like gossip, is actually concern. The Hebrew wording here leans towards concern, curiosity, and shock. Those who knew Naomi knew something wasn’t right upon her return.
God sometimes takes us where we don’t want to go. What can seem like a downgrade to us, is often exactly where God wants us to be. Later, we will see how this detour ended in security, provision, restoration, and even a grandson for Naomi! What seemed to be the end, was only the beginning for these ladies. God was going to take care of them in a POWERFUL way. Are you in a detour right now? Maybe God has you somewhere that just doesn’t make sense. As we continue in the story of Ruth over the next few weeks, I hope it gives you encouragement to keep going. We may not understand why God has us where He does, but hang tight, the story isn’t over.
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