THE GOOD AND BAD OF IMMIGRATION

Ruth 1 & 2

Throughout history, people have emigrated to other countries, hoping to take advantage of better economic opportunities. However, for some people, this can become a nightmare of hardship and pain.  Here Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons moved to better pastures because there was a famine in the land of Bethlehem-Judah. They settled in the land of Moab.  In a very short time, Naomi was bereaved of her husband. The son married local women, Ruth and Orpah, and the family continued there for ten years. However, tragedy struck and this time she lost both of her sons.  Now, this was too much for Naomi and she decided it was time for her to go back home to the familiar territory because she heard that the famine was over.  She discussed this with her daughters-in-law, encouraging them to go back to their family homes. However, Ruth stayed with her. Ruth 1:16.

Upon her arrival in Bethlehem, they greeted Naomi warmly, although they scarcely recognized her because the hardship had taken a toll, aged, and enfeebled her.  They asked, is this, Naomi? Her response was “call me not Naomi, call me Mara because God has dealt bitterly with me. I went out full and came back empty”. She had lost everyone and everything that meant anything to her, and this experience embittered her because she felt God had severely afflicted her.  However, her return to her country was a blessing; Ruth was like a daughter to her, and she became a grandmother and through that lineage, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was born.

Do you feel that the Lord’s hand is afflicting you? Are you feeling like Mara today? Good news whom the Lord loves He chastens. Do not despise the chastening of the Lord, it will get better. When we face the furnace of affliction, it is to test, strengthen, purify, and cleanse. Have hope in GOD!