Don’t Make This Dad’s Fatal Mistake

For Father’s DayDon’t Make
This Dad’s
Mistake

“There was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.” Ruth 1:1 NIV

What can happen to his children when a father neglects to stick with the Lord in times of trouble? The Book of Ruth shows us. It begins with the sad story of Elimelech and his two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. Even though his name means “my God is King” Elimelech’s relationship with his King proved to be no stronger than his hunger pangs.

When a famine came upon Bethlehem, which means “the house of bread,” Elimelech moved his family to Moab, because that’s where the food was. You might remember that the Moabites descended from the incestuous union of Lot and his daughters (Gen. 19:30-38). After Elimelech died, his sons married Moabites, and most likely lived a life prophetically described by their names: Mahlon means “sick,” and Kilion means “pining.” Then they too died.

What’s the lesson for fathers? If we leave the Lord and His people in hard times, to seek the world’s offerings, our children may get more attached to the world than we did, grow miserable and die there. Elimelech shows us how a father’s decision can hurt his children’s relationship with God.

Do we want our children to have a good, strong relationship with the Lord – one that will last in spite of circumstances? Then we must show them that staying close to Him and His people is more important than success in the world. We shouldn’t allow temporary problems to turn us to the world for comfort. If they do, we may miss the blessing that follows the Lord’s testing – as Elimelech and his sons did.

By Larry Ondrejack