A Case of Mistaken Identity
“Can this be Naomi?” Ruth 1:19 JPS
Can this be – Who are we? Are we defined by our circumstances or by our character? That’s the question behind Naomi’s story in the book of Ruth. When Naomi returns to her village of origin, the women of Bethlehem are stunned to see the woman whose name means “pleasant” in such dire straits. Naomi tells them that they should no longer identify her as “pleasant.” She is “bitter,” Mara, because God’s hand, the hand of El Shaddai, has brought tragedy to her life. Naomi sees life as it appears – empty, disappointing, purposeless. She fails to see life as it is – a thread in tapestry of the Master weaver. Because Naomi sees only herself, she does not even acknowledge that she has returned with Ruth, a woman completely dedicated to shalom in Naomi’s life. Naomi is a woman fixated on her own problems, unable to either understand or appreciate the greater drama of God’s purposes.
The book of Ruth is really the story of Naomi, a story of the inability to appreciate the greater purposes of God, the inability to accept the mysterious weaving of God’s hand and the inability to acknowledge the work of God in the life of an outsider. Naomi’s lack of trust in God results in lack of trust in her daughter-in-law and that produces manipulation, obfuscation and defensive actions. Few of us are Ruth. Many of us are Naomi. When we act as Naomi, we protect ourselves at the expense of others because we only look at our problems, not at the God who comes to us through the love of others. Distrust of God leads directly to exploitation.
The women of Bethlehem were right. It wasn’t Naomi. It was the “pleasant” woman stripped of her essence through self-concern. The woman who came back held God responsible for her difficulties. She simply reflected the age-old deflection found in Adam. Her circumstances were someone else’s fault.
We learn something else from this psychological portrait of depression. We learn that without trust in the unseen hand of El Shaddai, we are apt to focus inwardly. Trust is not believing that God exists or acknowledging that His Son died on the cross. Trust is accepting life’s trials as God’s work for the good. Trust is stepping forward in confidence that God knows how all this fits into the plan even if we don’t. Trust is holding on to the name we have been given; not changing it because we don’t like our current circumstances. Naomi was wrong about her new identity. If she had been patient, content and trusting, she would have seen the greatest example of hesed revealed right before her eyes. But because she didn’t have the eyes to see, she was blind to herself and to God. She could not say, “Thank God for Ruth.” Perhaps that’s the cure for this psychological self-absorption. Is there someone you need to address with the words, “Thank God for you”?
Topical Index: Naomi, identity, bitter, contentment, trust. Ruth 1:19
Interested in other insight from Ruth? Click here for the complete audio series on The Book of Ruth.
Providence. “It is written.” It is written all over the Bible “story” of Ruth. If we cannot see this, we are blind in one eye and we cannot see out of the other. We are blind, just as Naomi was blind. But this story, (which is our story also) shows -“in the end,” God is good.
Life is hard. (Should be the title of a book). Oh, wait! One has already been written.. we’re too late. “A wise man once said, “the way we know our future is by looking at our past.” What does this have to do with the price of tea in China? What does this have to do with me and with you? It is this: we are ignorant of our Bible and we do not know our God, (Who is good.) All the time. And to everyone.
“Life’s trials as God’s work for the good.” No. This is not so. This is a “half-truth.” What about the “rest of the story?..” – and this is where it meets us where we live..-right here, right now- let’s jump in the boat with Jonah or let’s jump in the boat with Jesus-even during the middle of life’s stormy sea. “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” What a question to ask of the Christ! “Don’t You care?” How easily we have forgotten His response when told of the death of Lazarus. Friends, “Jesus wept!” Oh yes! – He cares.. and more (much more) than any of us (apparently) know.
How many of us have “seen” (I’m talkin’ up close and personal!)- the Providence (and Sovereignty) of God? How many of us KNOW “God is good?” (and yes..- all the time and in every place and to every one?) Not only is He “good,” but brothers/sisters, He is SO good!
First, “the rest of the story..” We must re-read Ruth and do some “gleaning” for our own selves. Study this story and study it with eyes wide open. From sadness to gladness. From the miry clay to a Rock, for the story of Ruth.. (I must make mention and quickly!)- this is more than a “story” for these all are “real people!” – just like you and like me!
Happiness is the result of our happenstance or what happens to us. When “good things” happen to us, when the circumstances- weather,food, company etc. are “good,” then we are happy! We have our cake and are eating it too! – Happy Birthday! But…
But what? “times” are not always so good! A cloud passes over the bright shining sun, and the “mood” changes. Sometimes it is “mood indigo.” Uh-oh.. oh where, oh where- has my “happiness” gone? We all know the drill.. “Happy”- not happy. Up down, up down, up down.. rising and falling, floating on the sea of life like a dead leaf upon the water. Until…
Until what? (wrong question!) Until “Who!” Until our Boaz, our Near Kinsman-Redeemer, our Go-El enters the picture and then?? Redemption.
We have seen Naomi whose name is “pleasant, or pleasing.” We also know “good times Charlie”- and Charlie is happy during good times. Charlie seeks happiness and at any cost. “Sorry Charlie..”
In this world, the world Charlie lives in- he is going to have tribulation, and so are we.. “but..”
Again.. let us not stop here with only half of the story. What is the “rest of the story?” – and may we (all) now rest in the finished-final-freeing work of the Christ of Calvary?.. Yes. We may.
Here is the “grace” in which we stand: ~ and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose ~ (Romans 8.28). Oh, how we love this verse.. “but..” What? – another but?
Yes, another. Here we go again! (one more trip around the mountain, people!) What is His purpose for us? The will of God for all who belong to Him? What does God want from me? And from you also!) It is this.. He wants us (all) All His children to ~ be conformed into the image of The Son. ~
We hear this all the time: “Don’t let the world squeeze you in their mold..” Hmm.. how do I put this? Friends, we (all) are being squeezed! The heat is on! – But, (and this is a big but!) We, (you and I and all who belong to Him) are being “conformed” (a word of heat and pressure) into the image (or likeness) of the Son!
(in order) that He might present the assembly to Himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it (“it” are us) should be holy and without blemish ~ The KJV says “spot or wrinkle!” Washed and ironed! Build a Bride is His plan. We are His present Body and His future Bride! We are the Bride of our Heavenly Boaz, who is our Near Kinsman-Redeemer. We are Ruth! (Honestly!.)
How was the “Captain of our salvation” made “pefect?” Through heat and pressure. And how is He “purifying” us? ~ The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design.. thy dross to remove and thy gold to refine. ~ Feelin’ the heat yet? Not to worry.. if you belong to Him, – you will.
We know and yet we don’t know.. “the rest of the story.. ” for the “half has not yet been told!” The best is yet to be! All have been invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! RSVP, “whosoever will” may come! – See you there!
“God is good?” (and yes..- all the time and in every place and to every one?)
I think Pharaoh and his army might not agree with you on this Car[.
and we know that for those who love God all things work together
>>>>for good, for those who are called according to His purpose <<<<<<
(Romans 8.28).
These are the ones who can count on His goodness!
“I think Pharaoh and his army might not agree with you on this Carl”
Hi Pam,
“God is good” might be the most important point
Whatever He gives us is by definition Good
We need to learn to accept his Will, if we want to experience peace
Pharaoh learned from the God Father
Never to take sides against the Family
And it is not for nothing
That Clint Eastwood plays a man named Will Munny in the movie Unforgiven
And Gene Hackman plays a man named Bill Daggett
“Distrust of God leads directly to exploitation.” – Ouch!
I found many more pictures of the Monasterio Jeronimos Lisboa that readers would enjoy!
http://www.google.com/search?q=Monasterio+Jeronimos+Lisboa&hl=en&rlz=1T4AURU_enUS497US497&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=iU1QUeXEM7So0AGr0IHYDQ&ved=0CFgQsAQ&biw=1441&bih=553
Thank you Skip. I think I need to say to, “Thank God for you.” You and a whole lot of other people in my life who have helped make it what it is.
“Trust is accepting life’s trials as God’s work for the good. ”
Reminds me of a thief on a cross. I don’t think this thief was completely ‘without works’ as many claim. He accepting the trial he was undergoing, and affirmed Yeshua’s divinity and power — despite not being released from his physical torment. Could I say as much?
“Trust is not believing that God exists or acknowledging that His Son died on the cross. ”
I’m not following this sentence..
Trust is not just a mental ascent. It’s what you do.
“When we act as Naomi, we protect ourselves at the expense of others because we only look at our problems, not at the God who comes to us through the love of others. Distrust of God leads directly to exploitation.”
I can relate to what is said here, some folks hang onto bitterness instead of turning to seek ABBA YHWH for His purpose/s in the situation they are facing, and venting their displeasure at others, and accusing others of not helping them out, not having compassion, etc..
Like Roy above, I thank YHWH for you too Skip, and the many brethren, friends and sound Hebraic teachers around! Thank you, Skip, for making the Bible so much more interesting and alive from the Hebraic perspective.
Looking foward to downloading the Book of Ruth soon.
Hi Skip
There might be a problem with the downloads on Ruth. Lesson 8 seems to be the same as 7 and therefore Chapter 3, verses 9-18 might be missing. Also, is chapter one, verses 6-12 missing as well?
I will look right away.
Try again. I think it is fixed now. Sorry. If you need a new link, email me.
Pharaoh was given multiple opportunities to repent during the period of the Passover, the exodus out of Egypt. And God, through His servant Moses, demonstrated His mighty power and His outstretched arm with many miracles right in front of Pharaoh’s Egyptian eyes.
Now what if? What if we had witnessed those very same miracles? Would we then “believe?” What exactly does God have to do (yes, even in our own lives) to get our attention? Whatever it takes.
And listen to this amazing verse from the Word of God:
~ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16.31)
Seems to me this would be an excellent time to interject: “Oy vey!”
Yes, – Has SomeOne risen from the dead? So.. -what would be our excuse then? -None, as far as I can tell.
Pilate asked a really great question and one we should (and will) give an answer to: ~ what shall I do with Jesus Who is called (the) Messiah? ~ (Matthew 27.22)
Hail Him or nail Him?
How many opportunities has God given unto us to repent? How blessed we because of this. What has God (who is always good) given unto us? “only” every good and perfect gift- that’s all.. “Only” ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness.. – that’s all. Shall we go on? Was God good to send the prophet Nathan to him? Absolutely! What is the decided difference between David and Pharaoh? Pharaoh said “no” and rebelled and David said “yes” and repented.
When will we believe what is written in His Word? ~ Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His Love endures forever ~ (1 Chronicles 16:34)