Teachers of Good Things

Naomi had long been in relationship with Boaz, and is able to advise and instruct Ruth. So now there are those who have been long on the way, in relationship with Christ; and though they may have failed much (like Naomi) yet they are fitted by experience to instruct and counsel the younger saints. Naomi hardly sets forth one gifted to teach or preach but rather those aged saints, of whom we read in the second chapter of Titus, who are to be examples to others, “teachers of good things,” and able to give loving advise to the younger women. In the spirit of these verses, Naomi, raising no difficulties, placing no hindrances in her way, at once says, “Go, my daughter.” She encourages Ruth in this happy work. Moreover, on Ruth’s return from her labours she gladly recognizes her progress, for we read “she saw what she had gleaned” (v.18). Further she interests herself in Ruth’s progress, for she enquires, “Where hast thou gleaned today? And where wroughtest thou? (v.19). Lastly she enlightens Ruth as to Boaz and gives her loving counsel as to her gleaning (vv.20,22). Would that there were a little more of the spirit of Naomi leading the elder saints to care for the younger, to encourage them, take note of their progress, enquire after their spiritual welfare, instruct them in the knowledge of Christ, and counsel them as to their gleaning.