Ruth 3:1 One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for?

     

Ruth and Naomi have been through difficult times. Both of them have lost their husbands and together they returned to Israel with no support and not a lot of hope. Naomi had already encouraged her daughter in law to get provision by following the tradition of following the harvesters through the fields and gleaning from the left-over pieces. However she realises that this is only a short-term provision and really the best thing for Ruth would be for her to be married and have the security of a husband. In our disturbed and confused days, how strange those words must seem to many who have been abandoned by their husbands. Yet in their day, divorce was rare and mostly families remained strong.

 

Naomi demonstrates a caring attitude towards her daughter-in-law. She feels a responsibility for her, to make provision for her, or at least show her a way, within the traditions of the country, whereby she can test the feelings of the one man on the horizon who could perhaps be a husband for her. How many mother-in-laws in modern life feel a sense of responsibility for their daughter-in-law(s)? How many daughter-in-laws feel a willingness to receive from the older woman, to receive help, guidance, wisdom and direction? There is a picture here with this couple, of the wholesomeness of relationship that can exist. Perhaps it needs working for in your case, but it is possible. Think about it. Pray for it. Work for it.