Text: Ruth 1:1-7
Opening Statement:
In the book of Ruth there are scenes that are tragic, domestic, romantic, dramatic, historic, and prophetic. Yet each scene is a mine filled with precious gems.
The Book of Ruth is a beautiful picture of Christ’s great love for us, and the redemption He purchased for us.
The opening scene of the book is tragic for we find three graves in Moab. Let’s notice the story behind these 3 graves. First, notice:
I) THE DEPARTURE FROM THE LORD (vs.1-4)
As we look at this departure from the Lord we see:
A) Where They Were Leaving
Their home was the town of Bethlehem in the country of Judah. The name “Bethlehem” means, “House of bread.” “Judah” means “praise.”
This was the place we find Elimelech and his family leaving. They first left the city limits of Bethlehem and then left the borders of Judah. They first got out of the House of God and then out of the will of God.
We also see:
B) Where They Went to Live
We read that they “went to sojourn in the country of Moab” (Vs.1). In Psalm 108:9, we find an interesting description of Moab. We read, “Moab is My washpot.”
Elimelech’s journey to Moab is illustrative of a Christian leaving God and going back to the old life.
We see that not only did they settle down in Moab, but their children took to themselves wives of the Moabites (Vs.4). Marriage among the pagan nations was strictly forbidden by God. The parents’ departure only led to a further departure in the children.
We see a departure from the Lord, and we also see the results of leaving God.
II) THE DISCIPLINE BY THE LORD
Just as an earthly father will discipline a disobedient child, God will discipline His disobedient and straying children (Heb.12:6). The writer of Hebrews describes both a process and a procedure of God’s discipline.
When we look at Elimelech and his family we see this process and procedure of discipline.
A) The First Acts Of Discipline (V.2)
It would appear that Elimelech and Naomi, had begun to drift from God in their hearts, before they ever left Bethlehem-judah. A departure from God always begins on the inside long before it is seen on the outside. The names of their children would seem to suggest that God had already begun a work of discipline to get their attention. These boys seem to be the first acts of discipline in their life.
Both of their children would seem to suggest that God was trying to get their attention.
B) The Fatal Acts Of Discipline (vs. 3,5)
First God chastens us, and if that does not get our attention, He scourges us. The first warnings were ignored and finally God’s discipline was drastic and fatal.
Whenever a Christian gets out of the house of God, and the will of God, God will discipline. He will deal with them patiently and lovingly. But in time, if there is no repentance and a return to God, He will deal in a more drastic measure. A departure from the Lord will always bring the discipline of the Lord.
III) THE DESIRE FOR THE LORD (vs. 6-7)
She heard of how God was blessing His people again. The famine was over at last. The people had come back to God. It was this news, coupled with all that had happened, that created in her heart a desire to return to God. In her desire we see:
A) Her Repentance
It is interesting how her actions are described. It was not just that she returned to Bethlehem-judah. She was turning her back on Moab. She was leaving Moab. That is repentance.
In her desire we also see:
B) Her Return
She returned to the place of blessing. She came back to the will of God. She is leaving the place of sin for the place of blessing.
In Closing:
Just like Naomi and the prodigal son, if you find yourself in a foreign place don’t make your home there. Come home, your Heavenly Father is waiting to receive you with open arms of forgiveness. Return to him today.
