Saturday, 26^th August 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: RETURN

THEME SCRIPTURE: “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.” – Ruth 1:6

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What do you do if your choices do not turn out as expected?

We are confronted with many choices throughout our lives. While some of these decisions have expected and pleasant outcomes, others have very unpleasant ones. How do you handle a decision that goes wrong? The disillusioned prodigal son realised and resolved, "I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee” (Luke 11:18).  

This young man initially forsook his father's security, comfort, and guidance in search of an illusion of freedom. However, his resolve to return was the greatest decision he ever made.

The focus text introduces an encouraging twist in Naomi and God's covenant people's story. Naomi and her daughters-in-law returned from Moab after hearing that the Lord had visited and provided food for his people (Ruth 1:6). God gave His people bread to demonstrate His benevolence. This should remind God's children that tough times are not forever. He, in His sovereignty and providence, temporarily allows difficult situations. On hearing this good news, Naomi returned to her homeland without hesitation. She thought nothing of what others would say upon her return.

Her goal was to return to the land of promise and God's covenant community to make things right. She despised the rumours and shadowed Christ's coming through King David.

Dearly loved in Christ, do not forsake the place of God's leading because of temporal challenges. God will surely fulfil His promises to you. He will visit you and make things better no matter how hard things get, but do not abandon your place of promise.

Poor choices are inevitable in an imperfect world. Everything keeps changing in our volatile world. If you wound up somewhere due to a bad decision, defy the talebearers and return to your place of promise. Do not push it if moving for better opportunities is not working out.

Rather, return to your old place of promise or make new decisions that are in God's will.

Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, like the prodigal son, you may have made decisions or indulged in sensualities that led you away from God. There is no shame in returning to the loving arms of our Father. A broken and contrite heart He will not despise.  Whatever it is, whatever the situation, if it demands a return, do so without hesitation. God bless you.

 

FURTHER READING – Ruth 1

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Is there something you need to repent from or settle with God or a neighbor?

 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help me to repent and return to You on a decision that has taken me far away from Your presence and Your will for my life. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to defy the difficulties associated with any return I need to embark on in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

1 Kings 21; Jeremiah 48; 1 Corinthians 7