Life Lessons from the Book of Ruth

Ruth 1:1-2

Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem-Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem-Judah. And they came into the country of Moab and continued there.

God had made a two-fold promise to Israel: Blessing for obedience; a curse for disobedience. Famine was to be an integral part of the curse for disobedience (Leviticus 26:19-20 and Deuteronomy 28:15-28, 23-24; 38:40, 42). The "days when the judges ruled" (or judged) were dark days of disobedience in Israel and God in His loving kindness sent this famine in an endeavor to call them back to the path of obedience.

The names in these verses are fascinating: Bethlehem means "House of Bread." Judah means "praise." Ephrath means "fruitfulness." Moab means "from the mother's father." Elimelech: "My God is King." Naomi: "pleasant." Mahlon "sickly" or "weakling." Chilion means "pining," "failing, " or "consumption."

There was famine in the land. There was no fruitfulness in Ephrath, no bread in Bethlehem and no praise in Judah.

What would you do in this kind of situation? From the world's view, Elimelech was wise and commendable in moving from the famine area in order to take care of the needs of his family. God, however, had promised the land to Israel and had commanded them to occupy the land. Elimelech's situation was probably no different than that of his neighbors and relatives who stayed and saw it through. Elimelech refused to accept God's correction. He forgot that God is the sovereign King of the universe. In moving to Moab, he dishonored God, weakened the hands of his relatives and neighbors and set a bad example for his family and those who knew him.

Of all places, why move to Moab?! Wicked, idolatrous Moab, enemy of Israel, whose very name - meaning "from the mother's father" - was a constant reminder of its beginning in the incestuous relation of Lot's daughter and her father (Genesis 19:30-38).

Most of us have made, or will make, moves in this life. In making any move, it is vital to make sure of God's will in the matter. If God has called you to the place where you are, don't move for trivial reasons. The loss in an unwise move may not always be physical or financial, it may be the loss of spiritual life in the family. God sees and knows the future and all of the hidden dangers and pitfalls that we do not see. We must rely on Him for guidance.

It says he "went to sojourn." Sojourn is Hebrew guwr, meaning to turn aside from the road for a brief stay. It says they "continued there." Continued is Hebrew hayah meaning to exist. What an apt description! Any stay outside of God's will is a mere existence - and theirs certainly was. Elimelech planned for just a temporary stay, but for him and his sons, it was permanent. His plan to save them from starvation ended in death.

Today, people think they can step out of God's will for a while and then step back in again whenever they are through with having their own way. Sa to say, the move it too often permanent and final.

Dear God, Forgive me for choosing my own way. Help me today to trust You and OBEY no matter what. Give me wisdom and courage to stay where You have put me, and to look to You for my provision, especially in times of physical and spiritual famine. May my heart follow Your Word so closely that I will not be tempted to go to the easy place, but will endure, knowing that Your ways are the best. Your plans are far higher than mine. And that in You alone is my hope and my future (Jeremiah 29:11). Amen