2002-10-13 - Inspirational Women

Part 7- Naomi

In the moving story of Ruth, we often hear the praises of Ruth, as well we should. Her loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law are indeed inspirational. But sometimes we seem to overlook the mother-in-law herself, Naomi. We can learn much from her compassionate and self-sacrificing nature. She wanted what she believed was best for her daughters-in-law, even if that brought pain to her heart.

Ruth 1:8-13 (New Living Translation) But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Go back to your mothers homes instead of coming with me. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage. Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept. No, they said. We want to go with you to your people. But Naomi replied, Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands?  No, my daughters, return to your parents homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what?  Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has caused me to suffer.

Jan

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