Naomi Becomes Nurse to the Baby Ruth 4:16 - Equipped for Battle

The climax of the events in the book of Ruth is upon us. Boaz has now redeemed Naomi's land and daughter-in-law Ruth, and they are married. The kinsman redeemer has fulfilled his obligation, and the Lord has rewarded them with a male child. But what about Naomi? Where does this woman who changed her name from pleasantness to bitter finish in our story? In Ruth chapter four and verse fifteen we saw the women of the city blessing Naomi for the child that has been born to her, and today in verse sixteen we see Naomi's activities because of these events. We read:

And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.

First, “And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom.” Most people know the delight that is afforded when they hold a new baby, however, can we imagine the joy in Naomi's heart when she saw the culmination of all her difficulties as she held this baby? Naomi's road to this point was troubling, and she suffered many hard things, but Naomi was now holding a baby. This baby represented her continuing family, and she knew that the Lord whom she thought forgot her was working out a plan all along. She took the child, laid it close to her heart, and received her blessing.

Finally we read, “and became nurse unto it.” In other words, she helped to sustain his life. Along with Ruth, Naomi cared for her grandson. Let's think about how long it had been since she had this privilege. This baby boy would depend upon Naomi nearly as much as his own mother. Her activity with him would be a constant reminder that God is faithful to His promises even when she didn't think He was. Becoming a nurse to this child would be evidence to the world that the Lord is faithful though adversity comes into our lives. Naomi was the baby's sustainer as the Lord was sustainer to Naomi.

Have we taken a promise of God and held it within our lives? Has something transpired where the Lord has shown Himself powerful, caring and involved? As we reflect upon the joy Naomi must have had when she nurtured this new baby, may we think about the areas in our lives where God has birthed a new opportunity, a new venue, or a new tangible item for us. If we find ourselves to have been blessed by the birth of this new way, let us purpose to nurse and sustain it and ever be reminded that we have been visited by God.

Next time we will see the neighbors name the baby, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore