STUDY 5
JOURNEY TO A FAR COUNTRY
Ruth 1:2 “And the name the man was Elimelech, and the name …………….. Ephrathitas of Bethlehem-Judah and they came into the country of Moab and continued there”.
Elimelech actually led his family to the country Moab maybe with initial decision of brief stay. But when they arrived there “they continued there”. This means Sojourn had become settlement. Backsliding does not happen just in a day. It is a gradual process. Satan begins by drawing a man from the means of grace gradually such as skipping fellowship with other brethren (Hebrew 10:25). Prayer lessness, lack of Bible study (these days the devil replaces Bible study with social media and internet surfing) etc. Gradually coldness in spirt begins to set in and the eventual falling.
Elimelech settled his family in an idolatrous land outside God’s covenant, God’s Kingdom and God’s watch. We don’t know how long the settled and stayed but it must have been many years because it appeared the two sons; Malilon and Chilion were not ripe for marriage before they left Bethlehem-Judah and came to Dwell in but they both grew there in the midst of idolatrous people maybe even mastered the ways of the Moabites. And then married Moabites contrary t o commandments the of the Lord in (Deuteronomy 7:3-6).
That is how backsliding is just a little enticement and Satanic suggestion to the mind. Yes, the mind! That is the battle ground. The spirit of God earnestly seek to conquer and control the mind of a man so also the spirit of the devil seek to do the same.
That is why the Holy spirit earnestly admonish us to “not conform to the world; but be transformed by the renewing of the mind” (Romans 12:1-2).
Please take note of the tense of the verb (i.e., the action to be taken on the mind) “RENEWING”
- This is a present continuous tense. It is not “renewal” which maybe done once and for all but “RENEWING” which means it must be done constantly and continuously.
This can be done by the instrumentality of diligent, watchfulness “Keep they heart (mind) with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”. (Proverbs 4:23). Constant study of the word of God, “wherewith shall a young man c lea nse his way” by taking head thereto according to thy word.
“thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee”. (Psalm 119:8&11). Get profitably busy for yourself giving no room for frivolities. Pray fervently and constant and be in the service of the Lord-get engaged in your Local church as a worker.
“Not slothful in business, fervent in the spirit serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).
“praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spiritual and watching there unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18).