Grasp the Lord

Context of Ruth

During the time of Judges, which is a very chaotic period time for Judah.

Most likely the earlier period to middle period of the Judges.

Currently there is a famine that has struck Judah, creating a harsh time economically.

The major theme of the book is finding a redeemer and redemption.

Ruth 1:1-7

Read Ruth 1:1–7 “In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 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. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah”

Verses 1-2

Elimelech is guiding his family from Judah to Moab, a land God has called the Israelites to not live in. Yet he chooses to move his family there, and there is logic to it, he most likely believes his sons and wife will have a more prosperous life there instead of famine ridden Bethlehem.

Verses 3-5

This move does not go well for the Family, Elimelech dies in Moab. The two sons take wives but this again is against God’s commands, as they were not to marry Moabite women. After marrying Ruth and Orpah, the son’s die, leaving Naomi and the daughter in laws with nothing.

Let’s pause and note two big decisions here that were against what God had asked the Israelites to do: Moving into Moab and marrying into their people.

These decisions lead to a harsh time in Moab, where the men of the family die, essentially leaving Naomi and the girls homeless.

Verse 6-7

However, Naomi decides to turn back to the Lords people and return home, a very symbolic gesture of returning to the Lord.

She chooses to trust what she has heard that the Lord has blessed her people with food, this will lead to the process of her family being redeemed within the culture and in their relationship with God.

Application

Elimelech failed to lead in a godly manner, ironic considering his name means “God his King”. He chooses to let fear and rational lead him out of Gods chosen land for his people. This choice ultimately leads his family to disaster, when really God was going to provide for his people regardless (V.6).

Jesus tells us in Luke 21:26 “people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

Leading in fear leads to sinful actions, I.E. Elimelech

Men/Boys this begins with you, the Lord has called you to be leaders.

Naomi chose to return to her people and the Lord, recognizing that the Lord is faithful to his people. This is theme of the period they live in.

When looking for guidances seek the Lord through Jesus our savior, in John 10:11 Jesus makes it clear he is our one true leader in life saying “I am the good Shepherd”. However to truly be led by Jesus you must have accepted him as your savior, if not you are wandering through life without proper guidance and wisdom. Seek Jesus, look to the cross ,and do not look away… he will guide you no matter what life throws your way.

Questions

What significant events occurred in Ruth 1:1-7 that impacted Naomi and her family? Did the culture surrounding the family affect them?

2. What choices did Elimelech make that went against God's commands, and what were the consequences of those choices?

3. How does recognizing Jesus as our true leader change the way we approach decision-making in our lives? What happens if Jesus is not leading our lives?

4. What does the story of Naomi's return to Judah teach us about God's faithfulness?

5. Has God been faithful to us as a people in America? How?

6. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are following God's guidance in our lives today?