I have been reading the Book of Ruth over the previous few days and refalling in love with this beautiful story which ultimately builds the Kingdom of God, through a foreigner
Ruth was a Moabitess – this means that she was not raised to know or understand who God was, yet, when she came to Bethlehem – which was Naomi’s hometown – Ruth humbled herself before the people
I love that even though she was not an Israelite, that did not stop her worshipping the true God, but what is equally important is that, God did not stop His blessings to her because of who she was
This is because the Jews were/are not the only people whom God loves. God wanted the Jews to be the people who the rest of the world would come to know Him through because Jesus was born as a Jew
Ruth went to Bethlehem and gave up her right to remarry to care for her Mother-in-Law and thus became a foreigner in the land
God accepts all who worship Him because He works through all people regardless of their race, sex, or nationality
God accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right
Acts 10:35
This is why I love the Book of Ruth because it is a perfect example of God’s impartiality – although Ruth belonged to a race which was despised by Israel, she was blessed because of her faithfulness
Friends, sometimes we can feel unworthy, in the presence of those who seem chosen by God. Yet, let Ruth become an example of why no one should ever feel disqualified from serving God because of their race, sex, or national background, because God can, and will, use every circumstance to build His Kingdom, and when we trust in God and follow His leading, He guides and protects us, no matter where we end up, or who surrounds us
“I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
Ruth 2:11-12
Categories: Ruth
