Going Deeper in "The Secret to a Strong Family"
Naomi and Ruth Return
6 Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah.
8 But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept.
10 “No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people.”
11 But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? 12 No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? 13 Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.”
14 And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi. 15 “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.”
16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.
19 So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked.
20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”
Read the following a few times:
Reflect on the following:
1. In the Bible, we see many examples of families experiencing loss. How do these stories help us understand that grief is a natural response to loss? How should we approach grief?
2. God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. How does this principle apply to families who are grieving? What role does the church community play in walking alongside families in their pain?
3. Why do you think so many families fall apart instead of coming together when dealing with a loss?
4. How can families use prayer as a tool for healing during times of loss? What should we pray for?
5. In verse 8, Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their own families. How does this moment reflect God's covenantal faithfulness, especially in times of loss?
6. In verses 16-17, Ruth makes a powerful commitment to Naomi. What does her pledge reveal about her character and faith? What can we learn from Ruth and Naomi about trusting in God’s provision during difficult times?
7. Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi is an act of sacrificial love. What all is she giving up? How does this remind you of the selfless love exemplified by Jesus Christ?
8. Ruth’s relationship with Naomi becomes a source of healing and strength for both women. How can our relationships with others—whether family, friends, or members of our faith community—be a source of comfort and healing during times of grief? How does the example of Ruth’s care for Naomi inspire us to care for those who are grieving?
Challenges:
1. Loss can cause feelings of isolation, but the body of Christ is meant to comfort one another. This week, reach out to a family member, friend, or member of the church who is grieving a loss. Offer your support, whether through a kind word, a prayer, or an act of service. Be intentional about being present with them as they process their grief.