STUDY 4
LOCATION
No matter how terrible the economic situation of Bethlehem – Judah maybe it is still for better than a strange idolatrous Moab.
A man’s location determines his allocation. A man’s location is very important every man who leaves his spiritual location – God’s presence – for a far country – a strange land would always meet misery, sorrow, jeopardy etc (Genesis 4:7, Luke 15:22-25).
Temporary pleasure is all that the world can offer only in Christ Jesus is the everlasting joy and eternal pleasures (Psalm 16:11).
Every location that outside God will give you false security (Jonah 2:8). The big question is what can a man do outside God?
Elimelech knew that the King was displeased and angry with His people and that was the reason for the famine in the land. But instead of appeasing the King, knowing that His anger endures but for a moment (Psalm 30:5, 103:8-14). Elimelech decides “If my King would be angry, let Him go ahead with anger, I would just l e ave his kingdom for him”. A change of spiritual location leaves you uncovered. The shadow of the Almighty. The everlasting arm of God, the watchful and unbleaking eyes of Yahweh, the divine covering is automatically removed. Your location determines your spiritual covering (Ruth 1:3-5, Genesis 34:1-2).
Everyone outside God’s kingdom is subject to the devil as everyone that runs from God automatically runs to the devil.
Elimelech left the kingdom of life and he died with his two sons (Ruth 1:3&5). Your location determines your accessibility to God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Your location determines your prosperity, peace and progress. These were all missed by Elimelech when he went to Moab with his family. He loss God’s covering grace, peace, prosperity and life. So, he died untimely and followed by his two sons.
Was the decision to go to Moab an Elimelech personal decision or join a family decision? What was the role of his wife Naomi(sweetness) in the migration? Did she encourage her husband on it or tried to dissuade him? What was the role of each of their sons? Mahlon and Chilion?
The Bible actually is silent about the answers to these salient questions events but I can deduce from the following e v e n t s in the following verses that Naomi played a silent role or rather she was left out of the decision. I imagine Naomi a sweet and good-hearted woman pleading with her husband to consider and reconsider his decision or rather give more time for prayers so as to hear what the Lord God will speak (Psalm 85:8) on the matter. But I guessed Elimelech would shunter.
Men of valour, do you listen to your wife’s counsels on matters that concern the family before making a decision?
Do you take time to discuss with your wife on issues concerning your family, work, finance, ministry etc. before taking a decision is to be executed?
Finally, and most importantly do you take time to pray over every matter with your wife to hear what God will speak before making a decision?