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And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. Ruth 1:8 KJV
The Old Testament character Ruth is rightly honored for her commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi. But, as today’s scripture shows, Naomi deserves high marks for her own selflessness.
Perhaps you’re familiar with the backstory: to escape a famine in Judah, Naomi, her husband, and their two sons move to pagan Moab, where the boys marry local girls. Then, in rapid succession, all three men of the family die. Naomi decides to return to her homeland and urges her widowed daughters-in-law to go back to their own Moabite families. Orpah tearfully agrees; Ruth tells Naomi no, insisting, “Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
Like a diamond displayed on black velvet, the younger woman’s goodness shines against Naomi’s attempt to guide Ruth back to her own people. We can all be grateful that Naomi failed in her efforts, since Ruth ultimately married a Jewish man, had a child, and became an ancestor of Jesus Christ. But Naomi’s heart of selflessness is worth noting and emulating.
In what ways can we deny our own desires (and even rights) for the benefit of others? When we do, we’re not only following Naomi’s example—we’re acting like Jesus.
Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to deny myself and take up my cross for others.
The Old Testament character Ruth is rightly honored for her commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi. But, as today’s scripture shows, Naomi deserves high marks for her own selflessness.
Perhaps you’re familiar with the backstory: to escape a famine in Judah, Naomi, her husband, and their two sons move to pagan Moab, where the boys marry local girls. Then, in rapid succession, all three men of the family die. Naomi decides to return to her homeland and urges her widowed daughters-in-law to go back to their own Moabite families. Orpah tearfully agrees; Ruth tells Naomi no, insisting, “Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
Like a diamond displayed on black velvet, the younger woman’s goodness shines against Naomi’s attempt to guide Ruth back to her own people. We can all be grateful that Naomi failed in her efforts, since Ruth ultimately married a Jewish man, had a child, and became an ancestor of Jesus Christ. But Naomi’s heart of selflessness is worth noting and emulating.
In what ways can we deny our own desires (and even rights) for the benefit of others? When we do, we’re not only following Naomi’s example—we’re acting like Jesus.
Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to deny myself and take up my cross for others.
