My home is in heaven. I’m just travelling through this world.
– Billy Graham
Naomi’s family travelled away from the land of Canaan during a famine (Ruth 1:1-2). Famines were not a new occurrence at that time. Besides, Israelites were aware that famines are a judgement from God because of their sins (Leviticus 26:19-20). Matthew Henry, in his commentary, wrote if Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, had a zeal for God and his Israelites brethren, he would not have persuaded himself so easily to sojourn among Moabites.
Elimelech’s action showed that the Israelites were pursuing what they want and travelling away from God. Also, they did not abide by the commands God set before them. When Naomi came back to Bethlehem with Ruth, she persuaded the people to call her Mara, which means bitter. Furthermore, she did not want them to call her Naomi, which means pleasant. Further, she recalled to them how she left full and came back empty (Ruth 1:21).
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Ruth 1:1-2, 20-21. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Deuteronomy 31:8: Emmanuel: Do Not Be Afraid Nor Dismayed
Travelling Away From God
We can be like Naomi and her family at times. Let me correct that, we are like them, believers and non-believers alike. All of us have the tendency to travel away from God’s will. Like the prophet, Jeremiah said, But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone (Jeremiah 5:23). Additionally, our free will and want to be in control create the illusion that our decisions are always wise.
We automatically plan out how to overcome challenges when it comes our way. Furthermore, we do not reconsider if our decisions will make us travel away from God. And, we forget to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Let us always bring to mind God’s will for us. Bring yourself to the foot of Jesus’ cross and ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you on your decisions.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.
- Do you have an experience when you travelled away from God?
- Are you still travelling away from Him? Accept Jesus Now.
- Can you relate to Naomi’s story? Learn about Naomi and Ruth.
- What was your realization when you travelled away from God?
- How did you manage to return to His presence?
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- How To Attain Righteousness In This Time?
- This The Season To Be Thankful: But Is It Exclusive?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, who is all good. We thank you for all that you have done for us. For the blessings, we received all because you love us. O Lord, Jesus Christ, thank you for sacrificing your life for us to live. Grant us, O Holy Spirit the guidance to be in line with the will of the Father. Help us not to travel away from His presence. We pray all these in the saving name of Jesus. Amen.
