Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: HIKE (07/07/22)
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TITLE: From Bethlehem to Moab and Back | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marilyn Meiners
07/10/22 -
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“Because, my sweet, the famine here in Bethlehem is so great I can no longer provide for you and our sons. There is no famine in Moab, we will go there and survive.”
“But hiking that far with two small boys is not going to be easy,” admonished Naomi.
“Yes, I know. But it is what we have to do. Let the boys help pack so we can leave early in the morning. It will be a wonderful adventure for Mahlon and Chilion.”
With a resonated sigh, Naomi went off to do as she was asked.
Early the next morning the four of them began their 1813 mile trek to Moab. All Naomi could think about was how she would survive a trip of this distance, with two active boys and a husband who hoped to arrive within ten days. What were they going to do once they arrived in Moab. Would Elimelech be able to find work, the boys new friends, and where would they live.
“Please Jehovah. I don’t have the strength for all of this but I know you will make a way for us. I am trusting you,” Naomi silently prayed.
Once they arrived in Moab, they began to establish themselves among the people. For several years life was good to them. The boys were thriving, becoming wonderful young men. They even began to have an eye for all the pretty girls in Moab and Naomi secretly hoped they would find themselves a good wife.
However, the good life didn’t last long for Naomi. Elimelech became ill and no matter what the doctors did for him, he ultimately died. Her journey of faith was about to be tested.
Thankfully she had the support of her sons, who were quickly becoming young adults. It was a delight when both Mahlon and Chilean found themselves wonderful Moabite wives. How Naomi loved these two women. She often told them they were more than a daughter-in-law, they were indeed her daughters.
Naomi thought life couldn’t get any more perfect. Indeed God was good.
One night as Orpah was getting ready for bed she noticed her husband seemed very still. As she went to check on him she let out a scream all of Moab must have heard. To her utter dismay, her husband lay before her, dead.
“Oh no,” cried Naomi. “Not another death. Why God?”
But God did not answer.
Several years later as Ruth’s husband was working in the field, he was kicked by an ox and died on the spot. The servant ran to the house to share the news with Ruth, and as chance would have it, Naomi was there to hear the news as well.
“God,” cried Naomi. “I have no husband. Now I have no sons. Three women to provide for themselves. God what am I to do? Ohhhh, please answer me,” lamented Naomi.
God answered by telling Naomi to make the hike back to Bethlehem. The famine was over she would have a new life there.
As Naomi shared the news with her daughters, she encouraged them to go back to their family. Orpah agreed this is what she wanted to do. Kissing Naomi good-bye she returned to her family.
Ruth, however, chose to continue the journey with Naomi. “I won’t go back. I want to stay with you, Naomi. Your people are by people, your God my God. Where you die, I will die. Don’t make me return,” sobbed Ruth.
“Let us begin, then,” sighed Naomi.
The two traveled back to Bethlehem. Again Naomi asked God what she was to do once there. She had no son for Ruth. How would they survive. Where would they live.
Yet again, God whispered into her heart, “Naomi, trust Me. I will send a redeemer.”
As only God could do when one puts their trust in him, God did all he promised. God provided for Ruth to work in a field owned by Naomi’s relative Boaz. Boaz fell in love with Ruth. God orchestrated a beautiful union when he brought Ruth and Boaz together.
Their union brought Naomi a longed-for grandson, Obed.
Little did Naomi realize, as she trusted God to bring redemption to her and Ruth, that God would use their grandson as a catalyst to bring God’s Son, Jesus, into the world.
His long hike to Calvary insured redemption for all.
Scripture story from Ruth
Additional Scripture reference from Matthew 1:1-16
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