RPG Adults
THE TIMES OF THE JUDGES (3)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Ruth 1:1-3
Luke 12:13-34
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
THE TIMES OF THE JUDGES (3)
Although providence places each moment of life within God’s plan, it does not absolve man of any of his personal responsibilities. Knowledge of providence should drive man to seek God’s will and to walk in obedience to God’s revealed Word. As the Book of Ruth opens, we are introduced to Elimelech and his family, and we see them in their quest to seek sustenance in difficult times. The famine was sore upon the land, but the people of Bethlehemjudah did not do as the Danites did in the Book of Judges. However, Elimelech and his family did leave.
“…a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn…” (Ruth 1:1). Life is filled with uncertain circumstances, but life is not to be governed by the changing times. It ought, rather, to be governed by a higher, objective, and unchanging Ruler. Elimelech looked at the hard and unfavourable circumstances that affected everyone, and decided to move his family from the Promised Land. This decision was not a national, tribal or even an extended family one. Others chose to stay through the famine as Elimelech and his immediate family left. It was famine that led Abraham to Egypt (Gen 12:10), Isaac to Gerar (Gen 26:2ff) and Jacob to Egypt. A man’s life is not directed and governed purely by his choices and decisions (though choices affect life as they come with consequences). Indeed, it is God who rules over the kingdoms of men and directs the lives of individuals.
“…And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there” (Ruth 1:2). We learn that the life of man is not measured by his status in society or his possessions. Circumstances would at a moment, without notice, reveal to us the uncertain nature of material possessions. One could go from a member of a wealthy family, to leaving all behind to live in a foreign land, as it were, “starting afresh.” Though the decision to move brought to them some temporal relief for a season, it did not shield them from the challenges and misfortunes of life. For even in Moab, Elimelech and his sons died!
THOUGHT: Though choices influence life, God remains King in life.
PRAYER: Father, help me obey Thy will amidst the changing scenes in life.