Saturday, April 18, 2009
Bitter Sweet
(Ruth 1:20-22, 4:11-16)
Times were tough, but their decision was worse. Elimelech and Naomi, facing economic hardship, decided to abandon the Promised Land for the materialism of Moab. Leaving their inheritance in the divinely appointed land behind, this Jewish family quelled the voice of conscience while trying to make the best of it in a pagan land and outside of the will of God.
Sin always reaps a painful harvest, and before long Naomi’s life became a tragedy. Her husband died, leaving her to raise her sons. Shortly after they married and were out of the house, they both died. The Bible gives no explanation of their passing, but Ruth attributed it to God’s displeasure (1:20). She became a bitter woman.
Sometimes sin looks promising, fulfilling—even needful. We use many rationalizations to justify our actions—just as did Elimelech and Naomi. Regardless of our excuses, sin is still sin; and its consequences are always bitterly painful. Frequently, sinful choices leave scars that can be healed but never erased. Naomi lived with the indelible scars of her sin.
The grace of God brought welcome relief to Naomi. Returning with Ruth to the land of Israel, Naomi began to see God’s curse replaced with His blessing. Through circumstances most certainly arranged by God, Ruth met a near kinsman who married her and provided liberally for both Ruth and Naomi. Naomi’s prospects only improved after she returned to the place of obedience to God. Are you bitter? Only obedience can make you sweet again.
