Praying for Refugeesنموونە

Loving the Foreigner - Ruth

The People of God were a nation of refugees. This was far more than just a detail; it penetrated deep into their identity. Their past was embedded into their DNA, defining their present as well as their future. The way God cared for Israel when they were refugees set the basis for the way they were to treat foreigners and the displaced themselves. God had told them, “And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19).

And so it was that the ancestry of Jesus Christ was marked by the powerful story of God’s kindness towards a refugee.

Because Ruth was a refugee, a childless widow from an enemy country across the Jordan. She had married into a family of Israelites (refugees themselves, driven to the land of Moab by a famine), but had lost her husband. She was caught without protector or provider, in extreme vulnerability, and without options. But she was faithful and strong, she loved her mother-in-law, Naomi, and knew the God of her late husband.

And so, when the famine in Israel subsided and Naomi turned to return home, Ruth determined to stay with her. She took up the mantel of refugee herself, daring to leave her home, and together they sought refuge under God’s wings.

There, based on Israel’s past and God’s commandments, she was met with mercy and kindness. God took care of Ruth, and brought her to Boaz, who in obedience to God’s heart ensured that Ruth was provided for. He sprung to action, refusing to leave this refugee without an ounce of what God wanted for her. Boaz became her protector and provider, and later, her husband.

Ruth put her faith in God, and sought refuge from Him among His people. Boaz was faithful to the Law, and was used by the Lord to take care of someone in need. Together, they became the great grandparents to King David, and ancestors to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Refugees are central to the Biblical story. They are in the DNA of God’s people, they are key to the Gospel, and the mercy shown to them is the very love of God in action.