Ruth 2:10
“At this, she bowed down with her face to the
ground. She asked him, ‘Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you
notice me, a foreigner?’”
A humble work.
Humility. I have often wondered about that in my
own life. Why? Why me? Who am I that you chose to call me? Ruth was not the
most desirable woman of the bunch, at least for marriage. Even though she had
developed a good reputation because of her association with Naomi, she was
still a widow and a foreigner, and not what a good Israelite should be looking for marriage. For all human purposes, she was not a “good catch”. The proof is
that the other redemptive relative who was next in line rejected the offer.
There was nothing for him in the deal.
First, she was a widow. A woman who had already
had a husband. She had a past. She came with baggage.
Second, she was poor. She had nothing to bring to
the marriage--well, except a mother-in-law;
I can see how some men would consider that a burden.
Third, and perhaps worst of all, she was a
foreigner, an outsider. Not only that, but an enemy as well, despised by
Israel. Ruth was a descendant of Moab, who was the fruit of an incestuous
relationship between Lot and his older daughter (Genesis 19:30-38). They
oppressed Israel for 19 years (Judges 3:12-31). Once, their king, Balak,
attempted to curse the Israelites (Numbers 22-24).
But Boaz noticed Ruth. Can you imagine that
wedding? The social media headlines: “Local Barley Exec Marries Down”? I am
sure there were many Israelite women with their eye on the rich bachelor.
And so, in the same manner, Jesus chose you, a
widow, a poor soul, a foreigner despised. It doesn’t matter that you have been
used and abused, poor and destitute, far and hated. Jesus doesn’t care about
your past, your status, or your background. He wants to make you a virgin and
dress you in white. He wants to make you rich, provide for you, and put a crown
on your head. He wants to bring you into his kingdom, make you part of his
people.
Now, is that not reason enough to bow down with
your face to the ground in worship? #getittogethergirl
Father, grant me the humility to come to you just
as I am, with all my past and all my burdens. Receive me. On my own, I am
nothing; I am not desirable. But in you, I am a princess, a prized pearl that
you paid a high price for. May I wear the crown upon my head with both pride
and humility. Pride, because it represents you. Humility, because I did not
deserve it. In the name of Jesus, amen.
My reflections:
“Her
sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is
forgiven little, loves little.”
Luke 7:47
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