Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

Ruth 1:21, "I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?"

This morning, there are vast numbers, I believe, of the Lord's people living away from the land of Israel and Canaan. These people are seeking happiness, fortune, fulfillment, and wealth out in Egypt and
Moab. Naomi's family had done the same thing. She and her husband Elimelech and sons Mahlon and Chilion left for Moab. However, Naomi returns with no husband or sons with only a Moabite daughter-in-law.

While Naomi was a daughter of Israel on her entire journey, she did not feel the blessings of being of the chosen nation on her entire journey. Likewise, the prodigal son was always a son on his journey. However, he did not feel to be the child of the master when even the hogs were eating better than he was. There are so many of the Lord's people that are living in darkness, but thanks be to God that it does not take some preacher to make them one of His. They will always be one of His.

Christ promised that His sheep would have eternal life and NEVER perish. (John 10:28) This is a security that no preacher can over-preach. The people of God are in Christ's hand and His hand is in the Father's hand. There is no power that can pull you from that position (even your own stubborn will).

However, if we fail to behave and conduct ourselves as one of His, then we will be brought to emptiness like Naomi. We will find dearth out in Moab, and the land of Canaan and Mount Zion (pictures and types of the Lord’s church) is the only place to find true fullness and rest. Sometimes it takes the destruction of the flesh (wood, hay, and stubble) by fire to save us and take away our pride. Let us ever be thankful when one of the Lord's precious lambs returns to the fold (by His mercy and grace) and wants to stay in Israel.

In Hope,

Bro Philip