Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Women of the Bible - Naomi

I'm finding that the women that I seem to feel led to talk about....are the ones who aren't the most "well-known"....but still had such an impact on history.  Doesn't that give each of us HOPE that God can use us, too?!?!

This week....let's learn a bit about Naomi!!!

 

Famine had driven Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and his two sons from their home in Bethlehem to the land of Moab.  Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth, who was married to one of her sons.  Within a short time, all three men died leaving Naomi and Ruth and Orpah, the other daughter-in-law, widows.  Naomi decided to return home to Bethlehem and might be able to get some help.  Orpah went back to her own people, but Ruth declared her loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law and went with her to Bethlehem.

Naomi urged Ruth to gather in the field of Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi.....and before long, Boaz noticed Ruth.  He learned about her devotion to her mother-in-law.....and was impressed by all he heard.  Eventually, they were married and Ruth gave birth to Obed....the grandfather of King David....
....a descendant of JESUS!!!
(The definition of a "kinsman redeemer" was a male relative who had the privilege or responsibility to act for a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need of vindication.)

Conclusions:
 Naomi must have been such a special lady to have made such an impression on her daughter-in-law that she would want to stay with her instead of returning to her own family.

Just as Boaz served as a kinsman redeemer of Naomi and Ruth....
....the ULTIMATE REDEEMER is JESUS!!!

I love how everything.....
....points to JESUS!!!

Until next week!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

5 comments:

  1. Deb, She's my absolute most favorite woman in the bible. When Tim and I got married, I made him a wedding gift. It was a cross-stitched quote from the book of Ruth personalized for Tim. It said, "Dear Tim, Wither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. The Lord do the same and more to me, if ought but death part thee and me." That cross- stitch is still on the wall of his office 23 years later. She's my heroine! Thanks for sharing her wonderful story. :o)

    Donna @ Comin' Home

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  2. Okay you provoked thought in my inner being this morning! Naomi, must have been a special lady....I agree! But I believe that as we commit our life to the Cause of Christ we too as Naomi find that others see us as "Naomi". When we as a womem of God have surrender to the completeness of Christ we too can be as a Naomi. Many times Deb, as I have come to know you more and more I see you "special" ...a lady of this generation that struggles with every day life...outward opposition and inward opposition and I have seen you victorious many many many times and I, like Ruth, look upon your victories, your faithfulness regardless if the land is barren and a draught may be at hand ..you always in some measure lift up the Cause of Christ. Thank you for being a Naomi for me in the year 2011. Love ya much!

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  3. Hi stopping by from Tuesday's hops. Would love a follow back if you get time. Have a wonderful day!

    http://giveawayblogdom.blogspot.com

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  4. Thank you for this lesson...I once went to a women's retreat and the focus was on Women of the Bible which was enlightening.

    I also read back over your weight loss journey...Congrats! You look awesome :) You really do; One day at a Time...I had 25 lbs. to lose and joined Weight Watcher's Dec. 7...I have lost 11.2 pounds thus far and every day I have to remind myself of the goal. My entire life has been spent dealing with eating disorders of one kind of another and being congnizant of my weight. It gets tiring and it gets old...
    I'm there with you!

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Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24