A Love Most Precious: A 10-Day Reading Plan Based on the Book of RuthSample

So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” RUTH 1:19 ESV

Have you ever been away from some of your family or friends for so long that they didn’t know what to say when they saw you again? Maybe there was a pregnant pause as they studied you. Perhaps their eyes began to twitch as they tried not to show their shock. And you thought, “Uh-oh. They see it too. The gauntness, the wrinkles, the sadness in my eyes.”

In our biblical story, we can surmise that when Naomi and Ruth made it to Bethlehem, they were hot, tired, and hungry. And Naomi would have indeed appeared more aged. She carried sorrows that must have been reflected in her eyes and in the wilting of her shoulders.

Maybe in the midst of the homecoming, there was some judgment placed on Naomi, which added to her misery. After all, she and her family had fled to Moab when God had wanted them to stay in their homeland. And she had returned with a foreigner, a woman from that pagan land! But whatever the people thought or said when they saw Naomi and Ruth, their arrival caused quite a stir.

Yes, Naomi must have appeared forever changed. But God knew what was to come. He knew that when Naomi and Ruth trusted Him, a marvelous and miraculous plan would unfold. It is the same for us. It’s what God wants for me and for you: that we trust Him and allow His marvelous and miraculous plan to unfold.

Lord, I have known times of faith and times of doubt. I have experienced coming to the end of myself, like Naomi did, and not knowing what to do next. No matter where I am in life, never leave me, Lord. I know You are my only refuge in trouble and my only salvation when I’ve sinned. Forgive me and set me free to live the life You created me to live. Amen.