Ruth- Refugee Set FreeSýnishorn

HOSPITALITY

Many refugees endure dangerous travel with small children and little to no provisions. They traverse unimaginable distances on foot through hostile terrain and cross vast seas in over-crowded life rafts. Some make it to refugee camps. Others lose their lives on the journey. Those who are fortunate to find themselves in a refugee camp must face the fact that this is their life for years to come; no nation on earth is willing or able to receive them. The trauma that forced them from their homeland is compounded by the horrendous journey and daily survival in a refugee camp.

When the miracle finally happens, imagine their relief and joy as they are welcomed into a new community—as they once again feel hope for a new life! It is a wondrous conclusion to a horrific experience.

In our passage today, Naomi has returned to Bethlehem after more than ten years away. Though this is her homeland, she—as a widow—does not benefit from the support system that would have been hers if she were married. As for Ruth, she is now the foreigner; their identities have been reversed.  

Finding employment can be a daunting task for foreigners. Hard work and resilience characterizes many immigrants, and some are highly skilled. However, without social connections, they must often take on menial work. Such is the case for Ruth. In an effort to survive, she goes into a field to collect the barley left behind by the harvesters.

Unbeknownst to any of the characters in this drama, Ruth’s choice of this particular field belonging to Boaz was all part of God’s sovereign plan. As a committed follower of Yahweh, Boaz becomes God’s instrument to save Ruth and Naomi from their terrible plight. Coincidence? Hardly. Though God is barely mentioned in this book, it is through the seemingly inconsequential yet miraculous details of this story that we know his hand is in it. Make no mistake—God is working in the smallest details of our lives.

Boaz shows us how to bless a foreigner. When he notices Ruth in his field, he takes the time to learn her story. Then, he approaches her, calling her “daughter,” and offers protection and access to his crops. So many of Ruth and Naomi’s problems are solved in this one simple encounter, and there is more to come!

Boaz honors Ruth by having her as his guest at the evening meal. In almost every culture of the world, there is no greater expression of genuine friendship than enjoying a meal together. It is appropriate, then, that Passover in the Old Testament and Communion in the New Testament are meals. These meals point to and remind us of the sacrifice of Christ, which unites all true followers of God.  These meals also foreshadow the “Marriage Supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:6-9), during which we will celebrate eternal life in heaven with God.  

Boaz’s actions are in keeping with the law. God’s people are called to welcome, love and extend hospitality to foreigners (Leviticus 19:34). The kind hospitality that Boaz offers Ruth is a picture of how God receives us. God comes to us, makes us his children and provides for us. What Boaz does is temporary, but what God does for us is everlasting.

Christian hospitality is an extension of the Gospel. Because of God’s provision of an ultimate and eternal home in heaven, we can generously share whatever home we have here on earth. Is there someone to whom you can show hospitality?