Bible Study - "Naomi—A Woman of Influence"

Scripture: Ruth 1-3

Christian women have the responsibility and privilege of making a significant difference in the lives of other women In Titus 2:3-5, Paul challenges older women to teach younger women and to be godly role models.

Naomi lived in Bethlehem of Judah with husband, Elimelech. Her faith in God gave her the courage to face the transition of moving to Moab. While there, Naomi’s sons married Moabite women. They were from a pagan race that had resulted from the incestuous relationship between Lot and his eldest daughter. The Moabites and Israelites were enemies, and the prophets frequently pronounced judgment on the people of Moab. Even though Jewish law forbade marriage to foreigners, Naomi warmly embraced Ruth and Orpah despite their religious differences. Naomi’s faith in God was a great testimony to her daughters-in-law. They felt it through her love and acceptance of them, and they saw it as it sustained her when her husband and two sons died.

After the death of her husband and sons, when Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, her daughters-in-law wanted to travel with her. However, as much as she needed them, Naomi acted unselfishly and told them it would be better for them to stay with their families in Moab. Orpah stayed, but Ruth was not to be detoured from going.

Naomi continued to show interest in Ruth, and her godly influence made a difference in Ruth’s life. Naomi moved from being just her mother-in-law to being Ruth’s friend.

Friends have an attitude of acceptance. Naomi accepted Ruth although she was from a different country and had a different religion.

Friends enjoy each other’s company. It is obvious that Naomi and Ruth enjoyed being with each other. Naomi’s bitterness over the loss of her husband and sons was replaced by joy as she spent time with Ruth.

Friends must be committed to each other. Naomi reciprocated Ruth’s commitment. She remained loyal to her daughter-in-law and cared for her as her very own.

Friends openly communicate with each other. Naomi talked frankly with Ruth about how to secure Boaz’s affection.

Friends share their faith with each other. Naomi obviously shared her faith with Ruth because Ruth made a commitment to adopt that faith when she told Naomi "…'Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.'" (Ruth 1:16)

As Naomi and Ruth settled in Bethlehem, they depended on and cared for each other. Naomi gave wise counsel to Ruth, and they shared great joy when Ruth married Boaz and gave birth to Obed. >p>Ruth kept her pledge of devotion to Naomi, and Naomi’s godly influence was evident in Ruth’s life. Even the women of the town commented on the effects of this influence when they said, "'Praise the Lord who has given you a family redeemer today! May he be famous in Israel….For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you so much and who has been better to you than seven sons!'" (Ruth 4:14-15)

Naomi was a woman of influence as a wife, a mother, a mother-in-law, and as a friend. She was a mentor to Ruth who in turn was the great-grandmother of King David.

Are you a woman of influence? Who are you mentoring today? What will be the long term effects of your influence?

Written by: Lynne Furr