1. LESSON 678: ELIMELECH’S 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 Bethlehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.” (Ruth 1:1)
TEXT: Ruth 1:1-5

2. SUMMARY (1) From our last study, we learnt the following lessons:
The Lord abhors those who once knew the truth and then turned back to folly. 
Those who would have God’s nature must seek His face and turn from their sins.
To escape God’s judgment, we must recognise His kingship and lordship and demonstrate absolute loyalty to Him.
The study of today touches on three points:
Reflections on Elimelech’s decision to relocate
Result of  Elimelech’s wrong disposition
The solitude of widowhood

3. SUMMARY (2)
Reflections on Elimelech’s decision to relocate (Ruth 1:1,2):
The journey to Moab was either ill-advised or not well thought through.
Living in Moab exposed Elimelech’s family to idolatry and divine displeasure.
Before a believer relocates, he should first seek God’s face for proper leading.
Result of  Elimelech’s wrong disposition (Ruth 1:3,4):
Elimelech focused more on the physical than the spiritual and eternal.
He missed out on God’s purpose for the situation, leading to sorrow and regret.
We should seek God’s purpose in every trial to avoid taking the wrong step.
The solitude of widowhood (Ruth 1:5):
Though Naomi was as guilty as others who died in the strange land, God was merciful to spare her in keeping with His sovereign resolve to preserve a remnant.
Escaping divine judgment should make us turn to God rather than continue in sin.

4. DISCUSSION

5. QUESTION 1 Why was it wrong for Elimelech to relocate to Moab?
Numbers 25:1-3
Deuteronomy 23:3,6

6. QUESTION 2
What are the implications of Elimelech’s relocation without seeking divine guidance?
Ruth 1:3,5
Proverbs 28:26
Romans 8:5-8
James 4:13-16

7. QUESTION 3
Why is Elimelech’s story instructive for contemporary believers?
Proverbs 3:5-6
1 Chronicles 28:9

8. QUESTION 4 What is the significance of the sparing of Naomi’s life?
Romans 2:4
2 Peter 3:9

9. CONCLUSION
The righteous suffers when God’s judgment comes upon his community. It is a change of heart that brings pardon, restoration and blessings.
Believers need to trust God to guide them in times of famine or adversity.
In taking decisions, we should ask God’s counsel and consider all relevant factors; spiritual factors should weigh heavier than earthly benefits.
We may not be in control of some causes of misfortune but are still responsible for the decision we make at such times.