We Need the Naomi Generation
What’s that? If you study the scriptures, I think you would agree that Naomi is one of those women whose life of grief unfolded into one that was “bound up in the very life of the Messiah.” (Susan Hunt, Spiritual Mothering) We are unsure of her age, but scripture tells us that she may have been within childbearing age (Ruth 1:12), yet she already had grown sons who had married. She might fit the age of many folks in our local expression. When you study the short book of Ruth, the beginning describes a woman who has known sorrow. Her sole desire is to return home after losing her husband and both of her sons.
Naomi left Bethlehem a mother and wife; she was on an adventure of sorts. Most sources tell us that the name, Naomi, means “pleasant, agreeable, or beautiful.” Naomi describes her own life prior to leaving Bethlehem as being “full.” (Ruth 1:20) Her cup was running over!
What a contrast for her family and friends who see her upon her return. She tells them to call her Mara (bitter), because she has returned empty. ( Ruth 1:20) Although Ruth, her loyal and committed daughter-in-law, is coming with her, Naomi does not realize that God is bringing her home to fill her back up again. We might say she couldn’t see “past the forest for the trees.” Here is a bitter woman weighed down with the sorrow of loss. She is ripe for God to move in her life… and she finds herself smack dab in the middle of matchmaking an epic romance! I do not think Naomi could have ever dreamed up that scenario!
Despite Naomi’s insistence that her son’s widow return home, Ruth insists on going with her. Perhaps Naomi was too old to go to the field and clean with Ruth. Instead she found herself encouraging and equipping Ruth towards God’s purpose for her life. Ruth was “willing to listen and heed advice, though at times it sounded strange.” (Susan Hunt) Naomi stepped into a place of mentoring that would line up with God’s plan of redemption. Nightly, she gave advice and encouragement to Ruth about how to go about winning the heart of Boaz. Today, some of us might have looked at Naomi like she was crazy if she suggested you go lay at the feet of your man! But Ruth was hungry for advice and willing to heed Naomi’s direction.
We could dive into the person of Ruth and learn so much, but let’s save it for another time. For now, let’s focus on what we might be able to apply to our lives through the life of Naomi. For example, do we find ourselves focused on our problems, allowing our minds to dwell on self-defeating thoughts? Do we limit ministry based on our age or our situation in life?
But here is question we must honestly challenge ourselves with when we examine Naomi. Are we willing to encourage and equip younger men and women who are not our flesh and blood? Are we looking for the young men and women who are longing to be nurtured? I think you would agree that we do not have to look very far to find people around us who need to see the embodiment of Biblical virtues; they need someone to come alongside them in the process of developing their character. I believe there is an urgent need for the “Naomi generation” to step into position and posture ourselves with a ready and willing heart. I believe He wants us to cultivate relationships with a “Naomi” while we extend a hand to the “Ruth generation.”
The union of Ruth and Boaz produces Obed, the grandfather of King David. Transformed by the union, Naomi moves from a bitter woman weighed down with the sorrow of loss to a full life in her old age surrounded by grandchildren. Not only does Naomi reap the benefits of this redemption in her own family line, but the community is blessed.
Have you read the story of Naomi and Ruth? I challenge you to read this narrative masterpiece.
