This next #WomenOfTheScripture segment is very dear to me..Because I can only hope to be what Naomi was to other sisters..
Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as BECOMETH holiness, NOT false accusers, NOT given to much wine, TEACHERS of GOOD things;That they may TEACH the young women to be sober, to LOVE their husbands, to LOVE their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, GOOD, OBEDIENT to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed
Now, Ruth 1:1 explains the time They were in.. So that should set the tone.. Now Naomi means "pleasantness" which is briefly defined as Pleasing in manner, behavior, or appearance.. Imagine that! While we will stay in mainly in Book of Ruth..We have to agree Naomi sets the example for a true Titus 2 sister!
Sis Naomi is introduced in the beginning, they left Bethhelem due to famine and she followed her husband to the land of Moab.. #PAUSE now we know this land was full of idolatry.. The did not worship The Power Of Israel.. So imagine the sacrifices she made just by following her husbands lead EVEN if she didnt understand or agree *Proverbs 3:5-6 [message] Anyway, she suffered the loss of her husband which made her a widow with her two sons who both had wives, Ruth was one of the daughter in laws of Naomi.
Naomi THEN lost both of her sons as well.. Now it is her and her daughter in laws..Now this woman lost her home, her family, but NOT her faith.. #message
Scripture time: Ruth 1:6-22 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest
🔥 Whoa! Now if you didnt catch those nuggets above.. You may need to read it again [Study To Show Thyself Approved] But the gist is Naomi decides to go back to where her people are and tells the two women to go back home to their moms, their own people..She also stated The Most High has dealt kindly with yall.. #Pause Here is where the Titus 2 woman comes in at.. You have to know Naomi taught them all about the laws according to women and how to be good wives, teaching them good things..Sober mindness.. So she is saying dont forget what I taught you when u return back to the folly!
👉🏾They both declined, then Naomi boldly said listen, I dont have sons in my womb for yall to marry ... #SomebodyGonnaGetItOnThe2ndRead return to your mothers!
💀 Go figure, Orpah was out after she said that lol! Orpah kissed Naomi and went back to her people..However Naomi, wanted to follow her and keep learning..A part of me also felt like she didnt want to leave her alone..She said I want to follow your Power, she basically said I jus want to dwell with you. But where is the lesson here? ACTS 20:35.. Ruth was activating what she learned from her Mother In Law, Naomi.. Now, Naomi almost missed her blessing in all of this, she almost failed her test because to be honest, those women were apart of her family now.. UNTIL they found new husbands..BUT ALL ESTEEM TO THE MOST HIGH... she prevailed and allowed whomever wanted to follow...Go with her to where they know The Most High was taking care of the people and the land! Now Naomi, is something special..Sooo we have to believe she taught Ruth to be Specialier [I just made that up 🤦🏾♀️😅] Now let's pause.. Ruth loved Naomi according to the scripture! Can you jus imagine.. following someone into their land..unknowingly what is about to happen..
But then again, Isn't this what The Most High wants us to do? Lean on HIM..
1. CARE FOR OTHERS
2. APPLY WHAT WE LEARN
Up Next- Act 1.5 Ruth- Following with Love