ADULT STS LESSON 678ELIMELECHS JOURNEY TO MOAB

MEMORY VERSE: 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 Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons (Ruth 1:1).

TEXT: Ruth 1: 1- 5Last week, we studied the last chapter of the book of Judges in the days when ...there was no King in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). This verse was a summary of the effect of sin, wickedness and compromise of the tribe of Benjamin in supporting the gang-raping of a Levites concubine by the men of Gibeah. The resultant war almost wiped off the tribe of Benjamin, leaving only 600 men without children and women. The realization of the state of the Benjamites brought national mourning among the remaining eleven tribes who drew restoration plan to revive the tribe. Sin is destructive and should not be permitted in any life, family, church or nation. This is the reason all Christians should cry out against sin and evil. This week, we begin the study of the book of Ruth written after fifteen Judges had reigned in Israel (Othniel to Samuel). The book centres on Elimelechs family life who, as a result of the famine in Israel, took a casual decision to relocate to Moab with his entire family. This decision for a greener pasture brought serious pains and storms into the family.Question 1: What are the reasons people abandon their churches for other churches?Like Elimelech, many people have been enticed to move out of a delightsome land for reasons of some little hardship or desire for carnal benefits. Some churches engage musicians in their services to entice youths into their assembly. Others take decisions to go to a far country for pleasure and mundane reasons or for business. Believers should learn to seek the face of God in all their decisions. Gods people at different times experienced famines and storms in life. Abraham, Isaac, Elijah and the children of Israel had their share of famines. Storms may rage against the ship of life but no storm can sink it if the Master is on board. Famine may come for various reasons: a result of sinful conduct or natural disaster. For early restoration and Gods favour, there must be self-examination, repentance and submission to Gods word and will.1.REFLECTIONS ON ELIMELECHS DECISION TO RELOCATE

Ruth 1:1-2; Num. 22:1-7; 25:1,9; Judges 11:17; Prov. 3:11,12; Rom 8:5-8.

...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 (Ruth 1:1).

In the face of financial and economic challenges resulting from famine in Israel, Elimelech took a decision to relocate with the entire family to Moab. Such an important decision should never have been taken without proper directive from God.

Question 2: Why was it wrong for Elimelech to relocate to Moab?

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbeliever (2 Cor. 6:17). Moab was not a friendly nation to Israel and had earlier used diabolical and seduction means resulting in the death of 24,000 Israelites in the wilderness. Moab portrays a contemporary world of sinners and idol worship which could result in the risk of exposure to evil and consequent divine displeasure.Question 3: What are the implications of Elimelechs relocation without seeking divine guidance?

Elimelechs decision was influenced by physical and economic benefits rather than spiritual and eternal reasons. This brought the entire family into serious sorrow and regret. He missed out the numerous provisions and promises of God for protection, preservation and provision (Psalm 33:18,19).Question 4: Why is Elimelechs story instructive for contemporary believers?

We should not allow circumstances in life to darken our vision of heaven or affect our consecration and commitment to God and His revealed will.

2.RESULT OF ELIMELECHS WRONG DISPOSITION

Ruth 1:3,4; Num. 1 :31; Job 5:3,4; 20:4-8; Ps. 73:25-27; 139:7-1;, Prov. 14:12.

In his attempt to escape the famine in Israel, Elimelech took the decision to relocate to Moab and this led to three funerals that left three widows behind. The decision misled the family as the two sons had to marry Moabitish women, contrary to the commandment of God (1 Kings 11:1, 2). Though Elimelech was not the real cause of the famine in Israel, he was responsible for the decisions he took. By his godly parentage and training, he should have remained dedicated and submissive to every revealed will of God. He had a name that honours God but his decision ran contrary to that name. Believers should live to uphold the standard and glory of Gods name which they profess.

After the death of her husband, Naomi also supported and directed her two sons to marry Moabitish wives rather than seeking Gods face on what to do. 3.THE SOLITUDE OF WIDOWHOOD

Ruth 1:5; Isaiah 28:22; Matt. 3:8 -10; Lk.13:1-9; Rom. 2:4-9; 2 Peter3:9-11; Isaiah1:9.

The two sons of Naomi: Mahlon and Chilion also died leaving Naomi and her sons wives as widows in a strange land. The calamity, bereavement and solitude made her decide to return home to Israel. When believers notice problems arising from wrong decision and backsliders come to the realization of their spiritual state, they should be urgent in their decision to trace their steps back to God.

Question 5: What is the significance of the sparing of Naomis life?It was grace that preserved Naomi. God still manifests grace to undeserving sinners and backsliders today. Naomi had to decide whether to remain in a strange land or return back home. The two daughters-in-law also had to take a decision to follow their mother in-law and serve God or remain in their idolatrous nation and continue with idol worship. Decisions today always determine what tomorrow would be.GHS: 7, 1 & 115