Even though Naomi was a “wandering sheep”, among the three widows, she was the sole Israelite… someone who had a history with God, knew about His promises and grew up among His people. Compared to Ruth and Orpah, Naomi knew where to go when she caught wind of God’s good news.
Read Psalm 147 once more in light of Ruth 1:
The Lord delights in those who fear him,
Who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Extol the LORD, Jerusalem;
Praise your God, Zion.
He strengthens the bars of your gates
And blesses your people within you.
He grants peace to your borders
And satisfies you with the finest of wheat…
He has revealed his word to Jacob,
His laws and decrees to Israel.
He has done this for no other nation;
They do not know his laws.
Praise the LORD.
(Psalm 147.11-14, 19-20)
We don’t realize how precious it is to have God’s Word, access to the gospel and God’s people. It’s within the community of God’s people we are blessed. No other community on earth has God’s revelation or knows God’s ways… His ways for life… His purpose for life… His plans for us. Stay secure within these borders and be satisfied in the way only God can satisfy. Be thankful that you had someone like Naomi (even with all her own troubles and issues) in your life to help set you on the road home to God. We were made to live in the very center of God’s love.
– JP