by John O’Malley
“…for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20).
These words crossed the lips of Naomi in her bitter state of mind. The God of Israel now stands accused in the courtroom of Naomi’s mind and soul. She hurled the unjust accusation toward heaven in front of the spectators in Bethlehem-judah. Eternity’s witnesses had not been called to offer testimony; it was just one accuser who assessed the course of her life and said, “The Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.”
Had she really meant what she said about Jehovah God? Were these just the words of a ten-year struggle with her decision to remain in Moab after her husband’s death? Were these the words of a woman embarrassed by her situation in front of her home folks? Did she really believe that the Almighty had been dealing with her in a very bitter way?
It would be easy to judge her, but the careful reader would note that the end of the story reveals that God had been very gracious to her, to allow her to have her husband and son’s name restored, a grandchild to be born, and to have security in her old age. Did these hastily spoken words influence her family for generations to come? I would remind you of the words of her great-great grandson; “I have been young, and now am old; yet, have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25).
Believers, in times of trial, we may have occasionally repeated Naomi’s unjust accusation toward God. Please remember, God will always do the most gracious thing for His children.Before you say, “Shame on Naomi for her accusation,” you should consider the times you have said the same thing.
Think about it...