Don't Leave Bethlehem for Moab
60Ruth 1:6 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 Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
Have you ever heard of going from frying pan to fire? Well, a man by the name of Elimelech did just that...
Because there was a famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech and his wife and two sons went to live in Moab. Unknown to them was that Moab is a cursed land that originated from the incestuous relationship between Lot (Abraham’s nephew) and his daughters (Genesis 19:34-37). Bethlehem, on the other hand, represents a blessed country. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, was born in Bethlehem.
Just because there was a famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech and his family went to an accursed country to live! His sons married Moabite women. The bible tells us that the man (Elimelech) died in Moab as well as his two sons, leaving Naomi and her two daughters-in-law.
And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.
Naomi then decided to return back to Bethlehem because she heard that the Lord had visited His people (in Bethlehem) and given them bread.
Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.
Many people in the Christiandom today are guilty of leaving Bethlehem for Moab. At the slightest sign of trial or tribulation they start murmuring like the Israelites did in the wilderness. Some may even go back to Egypt (the world). They fail to realize that there is always a wilderness before the promised land. It is always darkest before dawn. Right before breakthrough comes opposition. But God Almighty is faithful. Naomi heard that the Lord had visited Bethlehem so she decided to return.
Friends, is there famine is your Bethlehem at the moment? I exhort you, by the mercies of God, not to leave Bethlehem for Moab. The grass is not always greener on the other side. God will visit you today in the mighty name of Jesus. Though the vision may be tarrying, wait for it for it shall surely come. Here this: The Lord is good unto those who WAIT for him. Though the fig tree does not blossom, rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of your salvation. Don't leave Bethlehem for Moab. God will visit you today in the mighty name of Jesus. AMEN
Be blessed!
A Daughter of Zion,
Margaret Doherty
http://greatmessages.tatepublishing.net
Mission Statement:
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17). As children of God, we have been given the mandate to be His witnesses through Judea, Jerusalem, Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). Sharing and ministering the word of God inspires me. I delight in writing articles thereby fulfilling the mandate to spread the gospel. It is not by my strength but by the power of God that works through me that inspires and empowers me to write and exhort many souls. I therefore ascribe all the glory to God Almighty. Feel free to send this to all your friends (and enemies too). Margaret Morenike Doherty.
