Naomi lost husband and both her sons. “The Almighty has afflicted me.” She said to family and friends. Stricken with grief, yet her daughter-in-laws already had their bags packed ready to leave birthplace and all things familiar to remain by her side.
The woman lost everything and yet Ruth, having her entire life ahead of her, refused to live it without Naomi. “Not even death itself is going to come between us!” (MSG)
I imagine how wonderful it would be to go through my days next to Naomi. She would teach me, encourage me, listen to my questions and shower me in wisdom. We would share private smiles and she would gently correct me. I would watch how she prepares meals, serves her family, faces trials, troubles beyond imagination and still remains faithful.
This is the rich, loving fellowship we enjoy with the Holy Spirit.
Ruth knew Naomi. She’d been around long enough to know Naomi’s God was the real deal. Though Naomi was afflicted, stricken with grief, a woman of sorrow — this was not the end of her story.
“Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge — your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
My church 