Ruth 1:1-5 - Dealing with spiritual dryness

As we begin our journey in the book of Ruth, let’s start by taking a brief look at the background. Many consider it to be an appendix to the book of Judges. And the opening verse of the book tells us that the incident recorded in it occurred in the time when judges were ruling the nation. It was a period of moral and religious darkness in the history of Israel. Repeatedly, we are told in the book of Judges that everyman did what was right in their own eye. To straighten them, God would allow foreign nations to give them a difficult time. They would feel so oppressed and be driven to seek God for a reprieve. Thankfully, God would raise up judges to deliver them from their troubles. And for a duration, they would toe the line when the situation seemed resolved. Then in their comfort, they would become complacent and soon return to their waywardness again. This cycle of unruliness, followed by a period of oppression and God’s deliverance happened repeatedly. It was at such a time that Ruth and Boaz emerged. The purpose, evidently, is to show that even in times of bleakness of moral and religious standard, yet there were people who were faithful to God and to His Law. Reading this book is like having a whiff of fresh air in an atmosphere filled with a foul odor.

The book of Ruth was set in a bleak time, when the nation of Israel was suffering a famine. What lesson can we learn from a time of famine?  When famine hits, we must learn to pause, reflect and draw near to God even more seriously. Famine is a signal that we may be going the wrong direction in life and have left God behind. It is a time to draw near to Him and not try to run away from Him. This is true of spiritual famine too. Sadly, Elimelech and his family sought to move to Moab seeking bread. In verse 2 we are introduced to the family of Elimelech, his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah.

Instead of staying back to deal with the issue they sought greener pasture in Moab. Instead of being filled with bread, they had to endure tragic experiences. Moab to Elimelech was a time of death and he died leaving the family unguided. So, the two sons, lacking a father, married two Moabitess, namely Orpah an Ruth. Departing from God’s presence they left behind His protective hedge. Sadly, death also visited Elimelech’s two sons and they, like their father, also died in Moab. So, we see three miserable widows, namely Noami, Orpah, and Ruth being left behind.

It is possible for a Christian today to behave like Elimelech. How often people have left the church and the presence of God, seeking a place where they think could provide bread. Like Elimelech, they too end up in Moab, a strange land of death. Not only will their spiritual life take a hit, but the lives of their family may be affected too. Spiritual dryness is often an indication that we have become disconnected from God. When we feel spiritually dry and becomes spiritually lethargic, it is God’s way of beckoning us to draw near to Him. It is time to draw near and connect with Him again. God said, "If we draw to Him and He will draw near to us." That’s a promise!