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God Does Not Forsake His People 03
Introduction:
1. The Bible states in many passages that "God does not forsake His people." a. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Moses assured the Israelites that God would not forsake them. b. (Joshua 1:5) God said that He would not forsake Joshua. c. (1 Chronicles 28:20) David assured Solomon that God would not forsake him. d. (Hebrews 13:5-6) Christians are assured that God will not forsake us. 2. As 2013 concludes we are examining several of God's servants who struggled with this issue. 3. As we look at these Bible characters we are presenting information that will help us maintain our confidence in God's faithfulness throughout the new year. 4. After examining 2 men, Job and David, we are turning our attention to Naomi. Discussion: I. NAOMI IS INTRODUCED A. Naomi's husband was Elimelech, and her sons were Mahlon and Chilion (Ruth 1:1-2). B. Naomi and her family were from Bethlehem. C. Naomi lived when the judges ruled Israel. D. Naomi's sons married women from Moab (Ruth 1:4; 4:10). II. NAOMI SUFFERED GREAT HARDSHIPS A. A famine caused Naomi and her family to leave their home (Ruth 1:1-2). B. In Moab, Naomi lost her husband (Ruth 1:3) and her sons (Ruth 1:5). III. IT SEEMS THAT NAOMI FELT THAT GOD HAD FORSAKEN HER A. Several statements indicate that she never stopped believing in God (Ruth 1:6-9). B. However, for a time she blamed God for her losses (Ruth 1:13; Ruth 1:19-21). IV. GOD DID NOT FORSAKE NAOMI A. God blessed Naomi in many ways. 1. The famine ended (Ruth 1:6, 22). 2. Naomi had a devoted daughter-in-law, Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17). 3. Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech, allowed Ruth to glean in his field (Ruth 2:1-3, 8), he redeemed Naomi's property (Ruth 4:9), and he married Ruth (Ruth 4:13). 4. Naomi had a grandson who was part of a special bloodline (Ruth 4:14-17). 5. God had Moses include certain laws which benefited Naomi, including: a. the law of gleaning (Leviticus 23:22) b. the law of redeeming (Leviticus 25:25-28) c. the law of performing the role of a kinsman (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). B. In time, Naomi realized that God had not forsaken her. 1. Her tone had changed when Ruth returned home after gleaning grain (Ruth 2:19-20). 2. She eventually nursed the child born to Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:16). V. APPLICATION A. When we face hardships such as those faced by Naomi, let us trust in God's providence. 1. God worked providentially in Naomi's life. 2. He works providentially in the lives of His people today (Romans 8:28). B. Let us also turn to God's Word for instruction, blessings, comfort, and hope. 1. We have shown how God's laws benefited Naomi. 2. God has given His Word for our benefit (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:49-50). | ||