Not Naomi, but Mara

How do would you react when faced with adversity? Adversity itself is not so important, but the attitude you have when facing it is. Let’s take a look at what happens to Naomi as she returns to Bethlehem in sorrow. Naomi and Ruth have completed their journey and arrived in Bethlehem. In just over a decade, Naomi has experienced significant changes in her life. She lost her husband and two sons, and now returned to her homeland. (1) She requested to be called “Mara” (meaning bitter) instead of “Naomi” (meaning pleasant) because she left full but returned empty. (2) Naomi didn’t think of what has happened to her as mere coincidence, but as the work of the Almighty. (3) She returned to Bethlehem during the barley harvest, which is in the spring. Barley is the first grain to be harvested each year.

Light of hope

Today’s passage may seem filled with despair, but when you look closely, you can see that there is a light of hope. (1) Naomi understood that the adversity she encountered was the work of the Almighty. In such understanding is hope. For the hand of the Almighty certainly can turn temporary trials into blessings. Blessed is those who walk with God and find meaning in any trial. (2) Naomi was given a daughter-in-law named Ruth. Ruth would become the person to turn Naomi’s sorrow into joy. (3) Furthermore, the timing of Naomi’s return to her homeland during the barley harvest worked in favor of the subsequent developments in the story. God did not abandon Naomi and Ruth. “No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). This word is true both then and now. For you also a “Ruth” remains. With the eye of faith, let’s seek to discover what that might be.