PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Ruth 1-2
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me — a foreigner?” (Ruth 2:10)
The story of Ruth is a teaching story, to impress a great truth on God’s people.
Ruth stands out as a model believer, even though she is not a Jew.
Her example of humility and loyalty sets her up as a symbol of God-pleasing faith.
As we will see, God uses Ruth to bless the future of Israel, and ultimately lead to Jesus.
Again and again God uses surprising people to reveal His grace through weakness.
This is also seen in Jesus’ family tree, where four ‘questionable’ women are included.
According to Matthew 1:2-16, Jesus’ heritage includes Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba.
This shows how God uses outsiders to bring the Saviour into the world.
God is NOT only interested in the Jews; He chooses the Jews to reach the world!
Jesus Himself was often more impressed by the faith of ‘foreigners’.
“I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” (Matthew 8:10)
God shows His favour to all people, yet often His own people resist it.
The humble, grateful attitude of this immigrant makes God smile.
This is the posture that impresses Jesus, that opens the way for God’s blessing.
PRAYER
Lord, teach us as Your followers to see all people like You do, with grace, mercy, peace and love. Help us build bridges of welcome, not walls of exclusion.
Naomi and Elimelek sought refuge in Moab from the drought – but the drought went with them – Naomi lost everything – her husband and her two sons. So she returned and Ruth joined her and became a true devoted and faithful daughter to her. She leaves everything now to go with Naomi – she becomes a stranger, a refugee in a foreign land but with Naomi who has returned to her roots. The story is one of tragedy and of redemption for Naomi – how God uses Boaz to be such a blessing – an example, even in the greetings of his workers – Boaz provides protection before he even finds out that she is connected with his relative Naomi. Reaching out with a hand to help someone in need – that is the Jesus way – it is the way of blessing others!
Going to a land not given as an inheritance to escape the Lord’s hand or marrying outside of His family was not according to the rules of God’s people. And yet God uses those who He chooses His wonders to perform. Ruth and Naomi returned to live among His people once again and Boaz showed God’s love . He far exceeded what the law required. God’s grace. God’s love. God uses whoever He chooses His wonders to perform.
Marvellous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
[Refrain:]
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.