Ruth 1:19

New International Version

So, the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”

For Meditation

The ravages of misfortune! It disfigures some people to the point of nonrecognition. Imagine Naomi after her long sojourn in her resident country abroad. All the men in her life have died. Her life support has given way. Nothing to hold on to anymore but Ruth, her daughter-in-law, also a widow. She arrives in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest, with Ruth in her trail.

She is no more the agile woman and the local beauty. The body has shrunk over the torturous years. The contours in her face tell her story very well. Things have not gone well for her. The ladies of Bethlehem cannot be sure they saw right.

“Can this be Naomi?” they said.

Many of you know how that feels. These are people you know very well and have shared your youth. Hearing their doubtful query about your identity breaks your heart. How can they not recognize you? Do you look that terrible?

Kofi’s story has the same tone. The darling boy of your school; he was every girl’s favorite and dream husband. He matched his looks with excellent academic prowess and athletic skills. Top universities competed for his admission. What then happened to him on campus?

Now jobless and struggling in life, he walks into your office. You almost walk out on him until he called you by that unique name.

“Is that you, Kofi?” you struggle to say.

Such is life!

It can do terrible things against many folks with promising futures. However, that was not the end of Naomi’s story. The God of her fathers—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, had walked with her through every heartache. He shared her sorrow and wiped her tears in ways she never knew. The young woman by her side was more than the men she buried in Moab. Through her, God was going to establish the kingship of Israel. Messiah will count His ancestry through her too. What a blessing for Naomi!

So, hang on, my friend! It is not over until our Father in heaven has called it. Your Redeemer is your Friend—Jesus Christ—the Restorer of lost strength (Isaiah 58:11). He waits to give you a new identity. Only trust Him and live obediently for His glory.