Naomi Restored!
“…I will redeem YOU…!” Ruth 3:13
Yes, Naomi lost all but look at the ending results. God gave her “relief” in the most promising way (please see Part 1 and 2 posted earlier this week).
Ruth remaining with her, and then, to marry Boaz was the best solution to Naomi’s situation. Her name was now restored!
“Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went in to her. And the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. Then the woman said to Naomi, “Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel. May he also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Ruth 4:13-15
Ruth having a son with Boaz, Naomi’s kinsman redeemer, allowed Naomi’s name to continue and for her to have an inheritance. (Kinsman-Redeemer - Male relative who, according to various laws found in the Pentateuch, had the privilege or responsibility to act for a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need of vindication.)
The relationship between these two is a prime example of what we as women should have with each other:
1. Family commitment and the importance of family staying together.
2. Provision for our household.
3. The selfless lifestyle of both women.
4. They both committed their life to God, and His provision, no matter what.
5. Survival in the midst of tragedy.
6. God is sovereign and He will take care of us. We might not see it immediately, but He always comes through.
Boaz and Ruth gave birth to Obed, who had Jesse, who birthed David, from whom came Mary the mother of Jesus. Here we have the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Not only was Naomi restored, but our restoration came through the decision made by Naomi to let her daughter-in-law stay.
In her decision, we have experienced our Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who would give up Himself to rescue us, His bride, just like Boaz did for Ruth. Since Jesus identified himself with us and redeemed us because of our need, Hebrews 2:11 says, "Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers." Jesus is not only our redeemer from sin, but as Hebrews 2:16-18 and 4:14-16 says, he is a kinsman to us and understands our struggles. He is able to help us in our times of need, so….
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” Rev. 19:7
Are you making yourself ready? Are you enduring your famine? Can people say to you what they said to Naomi,
“Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today.” Ruth 4:14
Women of the Bible: Rahab . . . The HARLOT
“Then Joshua the son of Nun sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and came into the house of HARLOT whose name was RAHAB, and lodged there. “ Joshua 2:1
“She said to the men, “I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Ammorites, who were beyond Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And when we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. “
Joshua 2:9-11 So, What do we see about Rahab?
• Rahab worked, although it was a trade we would not endorse.
• Rahab knew the works of God.
• Rahab called God, LORD (LORD in all caps is Yahweh), and Elohim v. 11
• Rahab was a Gentile.
• Rahab knew about God and what He did for Israel.
“The city shall be under the ban, it and all that is in it belongs to the LORD; only Rahab the harlot and all who are with her in the house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. “ Joshua 6:17
• Rahab and her family were saved!
Rahab was both clever and wise. She saw judgment coming and was able to come up with an escape route for herself and her family. As soon as she heard about God and what he did for Israel, she was on their side, risking her own life in an act of faith, which we see a reward in the New Testament.
In Matthew we have the genealogy of Christ. In it where many men, but look at these women:
1:3 TAMAR, widow disguised as a prostitute, slept with her father – in – law, Judah
1:5 RAHAB, Gentile, prostitute, aided Israel in the taking of Jericho
1:6 To David was born Solomon, by HER, who had been the wife of Uriah, BATHSHEBA, and committed adultery.
1:16 MARY, a virgin, who didn’t know a man, but birthed Jesus Christ, who would give His life for mankind.
Don’t tell me who God can and cannot use. Never let anyone label you as anything other than a child of God, waiting to be used and to fulfill the destiny He has told you to fulfill. “The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable! Romans 11:29
James mentions Rahab in his plea for us not to forget that works are an important sign of our faith. What have you done lately to demonstrate your faith in God? What lesson have you learned after reading about this woman used by God?
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