Don’t call me Naomi … Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty

Ruth 1:20-21

Did God really bring Naomi back to Bethlehem empty?

It’s interesting the way we treat people and things when we don’t know their value. Someone comes to us, simply dressed and looking ordinary. No airs about them; just simple and looking ordinary. We smile and welcome them; but quickly turn to engage something else. Somebody gives us a gift. We thank the person with a wry smile. The giver is ordinary. What can they give that could mesmerize us? Check our closet in the basement and see why it is bursting with a scream. Sometimes, we may use the gift alright, but we have little consideration and care for it.

Ruth was God’s gift to Naomi who was thrice bereaved in a foreign land, destitute and surrounded by two Moabite young women also widowed by Naomi’s two sons (Ruth. 1:3-5). What possibly could the two women give to replace the men in Naomi’s life?

News broke about God’s visitation to His people, Ruth and Orpah pledge to return to Bethlehem with Naomi. Orpah turns back when reality checks in, but Ruth pledges her unflinching allegiance to her mother-in-law. Both arrive in Bethlehem “as the barley harvest was beginning” (22). Naomi’s story has gone ahead of her to Bethlehem, the “House of Bread,” so her arrival causes a stir (19).

“Don’t call me Naomi … Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter” (Ruth 1:20-21).

Yes, life had been bitter for Naomi, but had God really deserted her? Who was that beautiful young woman with her? Wasn’t Ruth more than her husband and two sons? Did Naomi really know her worth in God’s scheme of things?

What do we know when we stand in the pain of affliction – the grounds where nothing makes sense – but the agony and suffering? Can we perceive the little things God has brought along with us? Do they make any sense under the circumstances? Of what value could they be to us?

But, O, the providential hand of God that works behind the scenes to restore and graciously places us in His eternal plan! Ruth became all that Naomi couldn’t have in Elimelek, Mahlon and Kilion. Through Ruth, Naomi came into the eternal earthly lineage of the King of kings and Lord of lords – Jesus Christ, our Savior (4:16-17; Matt. 1:5-6, 16).

So, when calamity devastates your home and life, don’t think God has been cruel to you. In your bitterness, do not accuse God of abandonment. For, the Almighty, who works all things together for the good of those who love Him, may be on to something marvelous in your life for His glory (Rm. 8:28; cf. Jer. 29:11). Check with all the faithful saints of old (Heb. 11) and set your heart right in Christ (12:2). He will be good to you in the end.