January 11 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Both Elimelech and Naomi have beautiful names. Elimelech means “My God is King”. His name confesses God to be King but his actions do not live up to his name. He does as he sees fit and leaves the land of promise in times of trouble. Material well-being means more to him than faithfulness and loyalty. Naomi’s name means “pleasant” but she becomes a bitter woman in times of calamity. The two sons, Mahlon and Kilion, have Canaanite names—implying a certain detachment from God’s service.

Elimelech dies in Moab. He tries escaping the consequences of famine but the Lord still meets him with death. The poor leadership of Elimelech has repercussions. Naomi and her two sons settle in and make themselves at home in Moab. Contrary to the commandments of the Lord, these two men take foreign women to be their wives. After some years Mahlon and Kilion also die. The family of Elimelech is met with nothing but misery, sadness and grief.

The Lord teaches us a very important message. You can find security in the service of the Lord. In the fellowship of God’s people you have all you need for body and soul. The Lord is very specific as to how He wants us to live as members of His church. Our own spiritual well-being and that of our family is more important than financial or economic security.

The opening verses of the book of Ruth teach us important life lessons. Let us never think lightly about the service of the Lord. We may think we can do as we see fit, but we are fooling ourselves. Life in the covenant is not all about us and the physical well-being of our family. We cannot really look out for what is best for us and our family without taking into account our place within the church. The Lord provides us with a place of refuge and safety in the communion of His people and through the ministry of His Word. Christ clothes us with His righteousness and holiness through His Word and Spirit. The Lord protects and feeds us with food that will bring us through the worst famine. God gives us a place where we can find security through the worst of times. In an age of secularism and individualism, continue to see the church as a haven of refuge.