Naomi - From Calamity To Change Agent Lesson 7 Series

“Elimelech … his wife Naomi … sons were Mahlon and Chilian … Elimelech died … Naomi left with two sons ... took wives … Moab … Orpha … Ruth … both Mahlon and Chilian died … rose up to leave Moab” (Ruth 1:2-4).

A. THE PROBLEM

1. Book is about Naomi’s challenge and achievements but named for daughter-in-law.

a. She blamed God. “The Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me” (1:20).

b. Struggles to survive deaths of her husband and sons.

c. Controls the situation, family, future.

2. Naomi probably controlled the family’s trip to move, son’s marriages, Ruth’s return with her. Naomi is named nine times in chapter one, and Ruth is named one time.

3. Naomi urges both women to stay in Moab. “Turn back … why will you go without me ... sons in my womb?” (1:11). Naomi urges Jehovah’s care for them. “The LORD deal kindly with you” (1:8). She living in a man’s world felt the need to find each woman a home.

4. Naomi wants the LORD to show kindness to them. “The LORD grant you” (v. 9).

5. First day of work, Naomi give Ruth permission to work in her relative’s field. “A relative of Naomi’s husband … wealth … go my daughter” (2:1-2).

6. The servant’s identify Ruth, “It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi” (2:6). The owner Boaz knew about Naomi and Ruth. “It has been fully reported to me, all you have done for your mother-in-law.”

7. Ruth’s conversion when:

a. Marriage.

b. Left Moab. “Your people shall be my people and you God my God” (1:16).

c. Commitment in Bethlehem.

8. Naomi blessing. “May the Lord bless him (Boaz) … showing us kindness” (2.20, NLT).

9. Naomi is last to speak in chapter 2, first to speak in chapter 3. “It’s time I find a permanent home for you” (3:1, NLT).

10. Naomi’s final speech:

a. Dangerous scheme.

b. Finest clothes – to attract.

c. All know you (Ruth) as a virtuous woman” (3:11).

11. What Boaz did for Ruth:

a. Glean in his field.

b. Drink his water.

c. Protection.

d. Sent home extra grain.

e. “This man is a relation of ours, one of our close relatives” (2:20).

12. Ruth from calamity to change. Ruth meets Boaz on threshing floor. “I am Ruth, your maid servant; take your maid servant under you wing, for you are a close relative” (3:9).

13. Boaz appeared before town council. “You are witnesses … I have bought all that was Elimelech’s … from Naomi. Moreover Ruth … I have acquired as my wife” (4:9-10).

14. Conclusion:

a. Women blessed Naomi (v. 14).

b. The child (v. 15).

c. The neighbors (v. 17-18).

B. PRACTICAL TAKE AWAYS

1. Good people make bad mistakes, wrong country, away from relatives, away from your people, and God’s presence.

2. Good people who make bad choices, can make one major decision to change their life and their family’s future.

3. One good decision can conceal many bad decisions, when you change for God, His plan for your life, and His future for you.

4. Some who make bad decision end up dying outside of God’s blessing and will.

5. Close members of a family (sister or brothers) make different choices.

6. God uses our memory to motivate us to make good decision.

7. Some people without a godly Christian background can make a good choice that changes their life and their family’s future.

8. A good work ethic can get you ahead in life and make it possible for God to bless and use you.

9. A woman can make bad choices early in life but can turn her life around to make good decisions for her and her family.

10. Always do right, you never know when the opportunity will come to transform/change your life/destiny.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.