(Ruth 1:1-5) Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to reside in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi; and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem in Judah. So they entered the land of Moab and remained there. 3 Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons. 4 And they took for themselves Moabite women as wives; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other, Ruth. And they lived there about ten years. 5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
Interestingly, I just finished a Bible study on the book of Ruth. When I heard that this was the topic, I wondered just how much I was actually going to get out it? Although, my main reason for going was to connect with other women in our community. Well, I was shocked at how much I did learn!
An important thing to know about the Moabites is that this group of people came out of the incestual relationship of Lot and one of his daughters. Their son, Moab, was one of the men who hired Balaam to curse Israel. As well, he led the way in worshipping Baal. Therefore, this was an influence and group of people that God told the Israelites to avoid.
It would go without saying that it was unwise to move to a land where their sons would then choose pagan women to be their wives. But let's consider their other mistake, which was going to this land in the first place. During the famine, instead of trusting in the Lord to provide, Elimelech and Naomi chose to take matters into their own hands. Ironically, they went to the land of Moab in order to save themselves, but wound up dying anyway, except for Naomi.
In regards to relationships, our relationship with the Lord should come first. And we should trust the Lord in solving all our issues, everything from providing food to providing a spouse who is a believer (when and if we are to be married - in His perfect timing). Taking matters into our own hands means we think we know better than God does. God, who is all-knowing, and loves us so much He died in our place to pay for all sin, wants to guide us in having the best quality of life, possible!
No comments:
Post a Comment