[Sunday Sermon] From Mara back to Naomi
“19 So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”
20 “Don’t call me Naomi, “ she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.
21 I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.””
Mother’s Day is a joyful celebration for many, yet for others, it brings back painful memories of loss and grief. For those who have lost a child, lost their mother, or carry wounds from broken relationships, this day is anything but simple or cheerful. In the Bible, Naomi is one such figure. After losing her husband and two sons in a foreign land she had fled to escape famine, she returned home in deep sorrow, saying, “Don’t call me Naomi; call me Mara,”—a name meaning bitterness.
Naomi returned empty-handed to her hometown of Bethlehem. Bethlehem—meaning “House of Bread”—symbolizes the presence of God and the restoration of community. Today, the church must become a kind of Bethlehem. A place where those who suffer can find hope again. A community that embraces all, whether stranger or wounded soul.
Among those who greeted Naomi, some judged her and reminded her of her past. But there were also those like Boaz, who welcomed her with empathy and compassion. As the church, we must ask ourselves: which group do we resemble more? May our Nazarene Church be a Boaz-like community—overflowing with empathy, unconditional welcome, and love.
The story of Ruth and Naomi is not merely a tragic tale of two women. Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David and, ultimately, was named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Even Naomi, who once identified with bitterness, was restored to Naomi(joy). Our own pain, failures, and losses too can be redeemed and used in God's providence. The Lord can take what is bitter—what we call “Mara”—and restore it to “Naomi” again.
Prayer: Lord God, if there are those here today who, like Naomi and Ruth, carry wounds and guilt through hardship or the burden of motherhood, may Your Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen them. For those who may hold to exclusivity, grant them hearts of compassion and understanding. And for those who serve like Boaz, pour out the gifts of the Spirit upon them.
Outside these church walls are many more Naomis and Ruths—lost and wandering without knowing Jesus. May they encounter Your grace through KCON, so that they may no longer call themselves Mara but Naomi. May our worship and service be the means through which You bring this restoration. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)