Jacob and Naomi both left the Promised Land and both returned years later: Jacob left on the run from his twin brother Esau's murderous wrath; Naomi with her family in search of greener pastures. The Promised Land of course is a picture of God's will for the believer -- living the victorious Christian life of overcoming the world by faith. An interesting comparison and contrast can be found in their two stories.
(For those unfamiliar, you can read of Jacob's departure in Genesis 27 and 28, his return in Genesis 32 and 33. Naomi's departure and return are in Ruth 1.)
Two Left and Two Returned
Jacob left the Promised Land with nothing to lose.
Naomi left the Promised Land and lost everything.
Jacob left the Promised Land with his father's blessing.
Naomi left the Promised Land despite the Father's blessing.
Jacob left the Promised Land before it was yet promised him.
Naomi left the Promised Land forgetting what was already promised her.
Jacob left the Promised Land and met God along the way.
Naomi left the Promised Land and left God a long way away.
Jacob left as just unsaved.
Naomi left just as the unsaved.
Jacob left empty and returned full.
Naomi left full and returned empty.
Jacob compelled others to return with him to his God.
Naomi compelled others to turn back to their old gods.
Jacob returned with the family he hadn't had when he left.
Naomi returned with the only family she had left.
Naomi returned seeking redemption after all those years.
Jacob returned thankfully redeemed all those years ago.
Naomi returned longing for rest.
Jacob returned offering restitution.
Jacob returned and was given a new name by God.
Naomi returned and took a new name for herself.
Jacob the schemer left. Israel the prevailer returned.
Naomi the pleasant left. Marah the sour returned.
Jacob returned better.
Naomi returned bitter.
Jacob returned and found God faithful.
Naomi returned and found God faithful.
God is always faithful.
God never left.
VM
04-24-2021
