Ruth 1:1 - You can run, but you can't hide . . . .

"In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab."

In the days when the judges ruled  -  a dark time for Israel, a time of spiritual adultery and moral decay;  there was a famine in the land  - a lack of food and a horrendous hunger for the Torah; and a man from Bethlehem in Judah - the Promised Land; . . . went to live for a while in the country of Moab  -  oppressors of Israel.

Elimelech did everything wrong.  He walked away from his homeland to a place which was the enemy of Israel and even worse spiritually and morally then the one he left.  In addition, Hebrew law forbade leaving the Promised Land during a time of famine.  It stated that you still had more with God in a famine then what you would find in a well-stocked land wihout God.  It indicated a direct lack of trust in the provision of God.  In doing this, Elimelech subjected his family to additional judgment of God for his direct disobedience  -  he lost his fortune; his standing in the community; his life; and his sons died; leaving Naomi alone and destitute in a foreign, male-dominated society.  Our sin of disobedience not only destroys us, but can cause terrible repercussions for others.

The times today are not much different then they were 3,000 years ago.  There is spiritual crisis, violence, and moral decay happening all around us.  Our country is not in a physical famine, but a deep spiritual one.  There isn't any place we can run to and hide, and what we do seriously affects others. 

Elimelech's sin was that he did not seek what God wanted for him and his family, thereby causing the domino-effect tragedy.  Primary in the life of the Christian is to seek the will of God IN ALL THINGS.  God has only His very best in mind for us, but when we go off on our own tangent, doing things our own way without consulting our commander-in-chief for the correct marching orders, we manage to make a very big mess of things, not only for ourselves but for all those in our lives as well.  The "domino effect" is very present and very active in our lives also. Then, just like Israel, we cry "HELP" and expect the Lord to bail us out.   Because He loves us, He helps us, but we must bear the consequences of our actions, just like Naomi and Ruth had to bear the consequences of Elimelech's actions.  The rest of the Book of Ruth is the story of redemption and restoration, but not without suffering and pain.   Jesus Christ bought our redemption and restoration, also not without suffering and pain.  And we experience much suffering and pain when we deviate from the Lord's ways.

This verse of Scripture asks us these questions: 

• have I sought God's will for all things in my life? 
• have I run from God's provision for my life because I didn't like the way it was happening?
• have my actions brought harm or grace to others?
• am I willing to admit my mistake?
• have my actions led others to Christ, or driven them away?

Praise God, we live under grace and not under the law; we are not forbidden to seek out where to live and when.  But we still desperately need the wisdom and guidance of Almighty God for every facet of our lives.  Begin a new habit today;  ask the Lord what His plan for your life is just for this day.  Talk with Him while you're in the shower or driving to work.  Listen with your heart to discern the nudging of the Holy Spirit and then obey what He asks.  Do it every day and I guarantee that you will see a significant change in your life. 

"Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of grace.  Please, help me to not take your gift for granted, to turn this blessing into "cheap grace".  Forgive me for being so self-centered, for wanting to do things my own way, for not asking you what Your wishes are for my life.  Create in me a new spirit my God, and place within me a new desire to seek your provision for my life.  I only want to do Your will.  Amen."

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 12:2
1 Thessalonians 5:18
1 Peter 2:15

Mark 3:35
John 6:40
          7:17
Acts 18:21
Romans 1:10
                8:27
               15:32
1 Peter 4:19