Reflection: Ruth is a poor, lone foreigner in Bethlehem. Her foreignness is emphasized in the text, as we see “Ruth the Moabite” repeated six times in the book (1:22; 2:2, 6, 21; 4:5, 10). As a widow, she is very conscious of her social standing (2:13) and her foreignness (2:10) and didn’t expect it to be safe for her to work (2:9, 22). She had to work on the bottom most rung, beneath even that of a labourer.
However, Ruth became known for her noble character (3:11) and her good works toward her mother-in-law. Indeed, her relationship with her mother-in-law is astounding. The two poor widows came back to Bethlehem for food. As a foreigner, Ruth not only found food, but by casting her lot with Yahweh, she found a husband, security, and an important place in his unfolding plan for the Messiah.
Question: In what ways can we reflect God by caring for people like Ruth in our contexts?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for lifting up the lowest of the low, the poor and marginalised and giving comfort, peace and security to such as these in your kingdom.