September 1 – Ruth & Naomi’s Deep Friendship – Ruth 1
Naomi and Ruth had an unusual relationship. Naomi and Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, brought their family to Moab because of a famine in their home town. The problems came when they decided to stay in Moab, a picture of the world. Life seemed normal enough when their two sons married two Moabite girls, but everything fell apart when Elimelech and his sons died, leaving Naomi and her two daughter-in-laws alone. Naomi decided to leave Moab and return to her home in Judah. She sent her daughter-in-laws back to their own homes, but Ruth refused to leave her side. Ruth decided to stay with Naomi and live with her in Judah. This seems like an odd decision as there could have been many differences to keep them apart. First of all, Naomi was a mother-in-law to Ruth. Many times this alone could produce a strained relationship. Also, they were of two different nationalities with two different cultures, religions, and completely different ways of life. Yet, through all their differences, they became inseparable. When Ruth accepted Naomi’s true God as her own God, they produced a bond that could endure any difficulty. There should be no disagreement or difficulty that any two Christians can overlook and work through if both are truly born again with Jehovah as their God. They have a common bond that can overcome anything.
