24^th November 2024

THEME:  ELIMELECH: A QUESTIONABLE DECISION  

THEME SCRIPTURE:  "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 Bethlehem-Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons." (Ruth 1:1, KJV)  

PREPARATORY QUESTION:  

1. How should a Christian respond to a dire situation?  

Jessica lives in a community where everybody seems to be busy. As such, people tend to mind their own business with little regard for others. To avoid boredom, Jessica sometimes visits churches in her neighborhood to read their notice boards. This gives her some insight into what is happening in those churches and helps take her mind off her troubling issues. Jessica’s favorite quote, found on an old church notice board, read: “Most people's minds are like concrete—thoroughly mixed and permanently set.” What might have led to this statement being posted on a church notice board could be an unpleasant story.  

When crises strike, how we respond is crucial. The beauty of our tomorrow is very much dependent on the choices we make today. A famine hit Judah, and a man named Elimelech (My God is King) decided to relocate from Bethlehem (The House of Bread) to Moab, a pagan nation. Elimelech left with his wife and two children. They initially had plenty, but it is unclear whether Elimelech consulted God before making this decision. His two sons, Mahlon (Sickly) and Chilion (Failing) bore Canaanite names and later married Moabite women.  

In this foreign land, tragedy struck—they lost everything. Elimelech and his two sons died, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law destitute.  

Beloved, one decision in a time of famine brought immense loss to Elimelech and his family. Where was God in all this? What went wrong? How important are our decisions in times of dire need? During difficulties, who should we turn to for guidance?  

In Abraham’s time, he left Gerar for Egypt because of a famine, and he almost lost his wife in the process. Similarly, during Isaac's time, he planned to move to Egypt as his father did, but God reminded him of His promise and instructed him to remain in Gerar and plant his fields. In the midst of famine, God provided for Isaac because he heeded His guidance and direction.  

Precious One, remember this: God can take care of His own. Do not be quick to make decisions without involving Him, especially in times of difficulty. The one who always has the advantage is the one walking in the light and counsel of the Most High.  

Are you in a dire situation? Call on God today, and He will answer. He will show you great and mighty things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3). Remain blessed.  

 

FURTHER READING: 1 Samuel 30:1-18  

  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. In times of difficulty, who do you turn to for counsel?  

 

PRAYER:  

Precious Father, I call upon You this day. I ask for direction, guidance, insight, and divine understanding in the matters I am struggling with. Your grace is sufficient to see me through the waters and the fires. Thank You for the wisdom to navigate through the times and the seasons. In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen.  

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Nehemiah 12,  Amos 4, 2 Timothy 1