THE END OF A FAMINE

In Ruth 1:6 we read, “The Lord had visited his people in giving them bread.” The word came to Naomi that the famine in Judah was over—that once again God had visited His people with plenty of bread and blessings. Memories of past blessings flooded Naomi’s soul, and she began to yearn for the holy place. She was sick of Moab and its idolatry and death. So “she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return . . . wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was . . . and they went on the way to return” (Ruth 1:6-7).

Naomi’s daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, said good-bye to parents, friends, and family. They told their lifelong loved ones they would be gone for good, that they were going to Judah—a place where God was “visiting His people.”

Today, once again the Lord is visiting His people! Once again a famine has ended! Here at Times Square Church and in other churches around the world, the pure Word of God is going forth. When the Lord visits His people, He “gives them bread.”

During this last famine of the Word, while others fled to today’s Moab—worldliness, lethargy, coldness, pleasure, and success—a holy remnant has persevered. They endured the self-exaltation of TV evangelists, the sordid sensuality that swept into God’s house, the foolishness in the pulpit, and the mockery of backslidden Christians.

They prayed, fasted, and interceded. And now the Lord has heard their cry and is visiting His people. Why is Times Square Church packed with hungry seekers? Because word has gotten out that God is here! People are hearing that a word from God is flowing. The same is true in other places, as the news spreads that a visitation of God is taking place. The famine is over! God has sent bread from heaven and if you haven't yet tasted it, then get out of Moab and go back to where God is visiting His people!

This is what Naomi and her two daughters did. Their departure for the border of Judah represented a move toward the Lord. They were being drawn by the Spirit of God, attracted by the news of His visitation.

Today, in the same way, in the Spirit I see untold thousands heading home, back to the fullness of Christ—away from the hype, the emptiness of the gospel of ease and prosperity, the double standards and half-heartedness.