“In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.”
Ruth 1:1
Knowing we’re meant to feast with God, we see that there is perhaps no more fitting judgment from Him in the Old Testament than bringing famine upon the land of His rebellious people. This happens many times in Scripture, as in the story of the reign of evil King Ahab and the good prophet Elijah (see 1 Kings 18).
Likewise, it was not surprising that the book of Ruth began in a time of famine, since it was also the time of the judges, when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” But it’s important to remember that the famines—like any of God’s judgments—were not the problem. The problem was the rebellion of His people and their hunger for things other than the Lord.
In today’s passage, we see Naomi and her family missed that point. Instead of dealing with their sin in the face of famine, they leaned into their sin to escape the famine. They traveled to Moab—a land condemned by God for not offering His people bread in the wilderness. All of this reminds us that no matter what our circumstances, the famine of our hearts is the issue.
Likewise, it was not surprising that the book of Ruth began in a time of famine, since it was also the time of the judges, when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” But it’s important to remember that the famines—like any of God’s judgments—were not the problem. The problem was the rebellion of His people and their hunger for things other than the Lord.
In today’s passage, we see Naomi and her family missed that point. Instead of dealing with their sin in the face of famine, they leaned into their sin to escape the famine. They traveled to Moab—a land condemned by God for not offering His people bread in the wilderness. All of this reminds us that no matter what our circumstances, the famine of our hearts is the issue.
Scripture Focus
Ruth 1:1-5
Insight
Is God’s hand heavy against you right now? Seek first to acknowledge and confess your sin, for He is faithful to forgive you.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 10-11
- Psalm 5
- Matthew 8-9