From Bitterness to Blessing: The Journey of Naomi

Ruth: The Redemptive Heart of God

Bible Passage: Ruth 1:19–22

Summary: This passage illustrates Naomi's return to Bethlehem after experiencing loss and hardship, highlighting her struggle with bitterness and her eventual embrace of God's provision.

Application: This sermon speaks to those facing difficulties, reminding them that God can transform their bitterness into blessings. It encourages the audience to trust in God's plans even during painful seasons, reassured that they are not alone in their struggles.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that our experiences, even the most painful ones, can lead to a deeper faith and recognition of God's work in our lives. It emphasizes resilience through faith and community support during times of distress.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, we see God's providence at work in the life of Naomi, reflecting the larger narrative of redemption in scripture that culminates in Christ’s sacrificial love and restoration. Jesus embodies the ultimate blessing that arises from grief, as he invites us into his story of hope and renewal.

Big Idea: God can turn our moments of bitterness into blessings through His providence and love, reminding us of His faithfulness in every season of life.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the historical and cultural context of Ruth and Naomi's return to Bethlehem, particularly the significance of familial ties and land in ancient Israel. Use Logos to look into exegetical insights on the themes of loss and redemption found throughout the book of Ruth. You might also examine how Naomi's story sets the stage for God's overarching redemptive plan, laying a foundation for the lineage of Christ.

1. Recognition of Return

Ruth 1:19 CSB

The two of them traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was excited about their arrival and the local women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”

This verse leads me to point number 1 which is

God gave us communal fellowship as a cure for bitterness

I have learned very quickly that community is everything. However, it is important we understand how to treat the community God has placed us in. Early church father and Archbishop of Constantinople John Chrysostom once said, “Do you wish to receive kindness? Be kind to one another. Do you wish to receive mercy? Show mercy to your neighbor. Do you wish to be applauded? Applaud one another.”

Have you ever planned a sleepover or a hangout with a friend and you were just so anxious and excited ready for them to get there? And when they finally made it, think about how excited you were. This is how we can think about this return. Naomi had been gone for an extended period of time, and the community was excited to see Naomi. However, this is place is different now.

We are about to get into why it was different, but look at how the community welcomed her back. This is how we need to be with this group we have. We ought to be excited that we get to study God’s Word together and learn more about Him and Who He is. We ought to love those who do not want to be loved, and pray for those who have hurt us. This is what community is all about.

2. Honest to God

Ruth 1:20–21 CSB

“Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara,” she answered, “for the Almighty has made me very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has opposed me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?”

This leads me to point 2 which is

2. Without community, we are empty

I mentioned earlier how this time being back home looked different. It was not because Naomi got older, nor was it because they added a new Dollar General. They did not tear down to the favorite restaurant. It looked different because she no longer had her husband or children, and the last time she laid eyes on her home, her husband and two sons were still alive.

I remember my first time going home after my pa died, it was not the same, and it will never be the same. Naomi’s husband Elimelech will not be home next her, and her children will not be there anymore when she wakes up. And now, she is strolling back in town as an elderly widow with the daughter-in-law of her dead son. So Naomi is bitter and sad.

Without community, Naomi would not be where she is at this moment and she would not end up where we will see in the coming chapters. Naomi opened up about her struggles and her community welcomed her.

Can I get 2 volunteers?

go through the example

Now how many of y’all would say I am fake friend for doing that? Be honest. so I would be fake if I did that? Great, then I can say this confidently and I am sorry if I hurt some feelings, but we have plenty fakeness in this community right now. And it is not just us, it is just about everywhere and it’s sad it needs to change. Be honest with yourself. Can you got to every single person in this room, tell them something personal, and you know for a fact that will not be used in a gossip session or even a regular conversation?

Heres the real kicker. Can someone who you find just aggravating and annoying open up to you and you will make them a victim of your gossip? That is not a community, rather it is what destroys community. You see, this community was trustworthy, and Naomi opened up to these people about her bitterness and struggle. Let us be the community where people feel comfortable and open. Because when people feel comfortable and open, it is a game changer. We see so in verse 22

3. Harvest of Hope

Ruth 1:22 CSB

So Naomi came back from the territory of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

This verse leads me to my third and final point which is

3. Community brings forth a faithful harvest

This verse can serve us as a metaphor. Does anyone remember why they left Bethlehem in the first place? There was a famine. You see, Naomi left and brought back with her a stranger in Ruth who did not know God and brought her to a harvest. And ultimately Ruth, through Naomi’s actions, ends up bearing a son ultimately becomes part of the lineage of Jesus.

We can go to our schools and homes, and we can bring them into a welcoming community and see a harvest the Lord has planned. As a community of believers, we should be the ones who look different and act different.

Now that we are at the end of chapter one, I know that it might get tiring of hearing me say “Share the Gospel.” but I want to show you why I constantly say that and why I encourage every single day we share the Gospel. We are going to take a step back from the main point of the message and go a little off track.

That video you just witnessed was from about 10 days ago in Syria. Over 1k Christians were slaughtered, some kidnapped and tortured. Yet, these men and women still claimed Jesus. Guys, if they are willing to lose their lives, why aren’t we willing to lose some social status? I mean if that video did not stir something in your hearts to reach these lost people, I do not know what will. If we all believe the same Gospel those men and women believed, why are we not willing to go to those lengths. However, we talked about community tonight. These men and women suffered and served as a community. We can go into this thing as a community and share the Gospel.

Let us pray