Re:Verse reading–Ruth 2:1-12, 17-23; 4:1-14 (day one)
“Why have I found favor in your sight that you should notice me, since I am a foreigner?”–v 10
It is an ancient/modern story. Resonates with familiar issues. Immigration. Green cards. Migrant workers.
Ruth was a foreigner. (Hebrew–nokriy–” stranger, alien, outsider”). But Boaz noticed her. (Hebrew–nakar “to recognize, acknowledge, respect”) He could (and did) look past her skin color or accent or culture to see her loyalty, her hard work, her interest in the God of Israel. See v 12.
Do we notice foreign people? Not for the purpose of avoidance, resentment or fear. Do we see them? Recognize their hearts and their hopes?
At the deepest level for the believer, all immigration issues include some appreciation of the work of evangelism that is possible. Behind the mass migrations of people (both ancient and modern) there are people who are searching for security in life that can only be found in God.
A foreigner could be completely assimilated into God’s people and become His instrument for redemptive purpose. An amazing love story between Ruth and Boaz! A foreigner surely can belong to God’s community. Why not?