Series Introduction:
Yesterday, we began a new series, ‘Heroes of the Faith’. In this series, Mark Forshaw reflects on the fact that: “Our desire for heroes, both real and fictional, can be insatiable. We look to them to inspire, motivate, even save us. But what are the qualities of true heroes, and where is the source of their courage and fortitude? Our studies will profile heroes of the faith, some from recent history and some from the Bible, beginning with three from just one short Bible book, the Book of Ruth.”
Reflection: Naomi
This may, at first, appear to be an unusual Bible verse to share to portray a heroine of the Bible. But Naomi is being honest and transparent before her people and her God about her dismay. And as such, she echoes the heart cries of the many of the authors in the book of Psalms. In it, there are forty-two individual psalms of lament and sixteen community or national psalms of lament, such as Psalm 86:14 “Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me— they have no regard for you.”
When I faced cancer, my wife gave me a book of reflections on the Psalms, and I encourage you as you face trials in life to share the freedom of the Psalmists in crying out to God just as Naomi cried out.
Strikingly, God’s answer to Naomi’s cry is to be found in the very next verse, in the person of Ruth: “So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth” (Ruth 1:22). Ruth was willing to walk alongside, just as Jesus comforted the grieving disciples (John 11). Our heroes can be flawed — in fact they are flawed because they, like us, are human — and yet they (and we) are loved by God, who wants us to cry out to him. What do you need to cry out to him today (confident that he cares and is with you)?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that want us to share all our trials and troubles with you, that you listen to each one and love us beyond our ability to even understand. Help us by your Holy Spirit to know your love even during times of trial and to show and share your unconditional love with others.