Ruth 1:1-5

• In the place of bread there was famine (v. 1).

It was this which caused Elimelech and his family to depart from Beth-lehem-judah. Sadly, when in the house of God and in the pulpit dedicated to the preaching of His Word there is no bread, there is sure to be on the part of the people a departure into the far country. Sometimes, to be sure, saints will go down to Moab when there is plenty to eat at home, but they are far more likely to forget God when they are not fed upon the Word of God.

• Going down to Moab.

Moab was no place for “My God is King” to dwell. Neither should one who is known by God as “My pleasant one” dwell in the country of Moab. We remember how the prodigal son left his father’s house and went into the far country. We remember also what happened there. This brings us to our third point.

• Death and desttuction in the land where they went.

Verse 3 tells us that Elimelech died there. In verse 5 we read that Mahlon and Chilion also died. So it was that Naomi was shorn of all human help. She was now bereft and left a widow, and with her were her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, whose husbands, also, were dead.

Is it not always so when we turn aside from the house of bread? We are sure to reap sorrow and not song, disaster and not delight. Jonah ran away, but he ran into a raging storm and a fish’s belly.

Such is the experience of those who find their portion in earthly things. Their desires are crowned, but they are actually perishing of want. “And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul” (Psalm 106:15).

Guard your heart. Teach your children. Watch and pray. Be careful for what you pray.