Story of Ruth - Animated Bible Stories from the Old Testament
Prepare: Live by faith not by sight.
Read: Ruth 1:1-18
Wrong choice: Elimelek's family lived in Bethlehem, the "House of Bread" and worshipped the Living God of Israel. When famine struck, they decided to move away from Bethlehem to Moab, a land which worshipped a pagan God, Chemosh. They were afraid that they may die without food. As if one choice was not enough, Naomi got her sons married to Moabite women. Marriage with Moabite women was not allowed and they were not allowed to enter the assembly of the Lord (Deu 7:3, 23:3).
Worse situation: A wrong choice led to a worse situation. Elimelek and the two sons died, even with abundance of food! Naomi was left childless with two daughters-in-law who were childless. What a picture of emptiness! Not trusting God, but leaning on your own wisdom leads to an empty life.
Right choice: When Naomi heard of the Lord visiting His people in Bethlehem, she decided to return. By then she had realized it was her bad decisions that had caused the Lord's hand to be severe on their family. Ruth's declaration of faith in the living God is the highlight of this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship.
The difficult situations and trials in our lives are brought by God to discipline us. When we try to run away from them, choosing the temporary way out, it becomes a bad choice. Only when we realize our mistake and put our trust in God, we will experience His blessings.
Respond: Lord, enable us to choose that which pleases You.
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