Anchor Devotional

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The Outsider

“No … Moabite or any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation. … Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them as long as you live.” Deuteronomy 23:3, 6

Ruth was a Moabitess, and that was her shame. The women of Moab had a reputation for seducing the hearts of Hebrew men, leading them into both adultery and idolatry. We’re meant to see this fact, for she is first introduced as a Moabite woman (Ruth 1:4) and is again called “Ruth the Moabitess” in her return journey with Naomi (1:22).

But origin is not identity. Ruth is what we might now call a “baby Christian,” though we’ll never know how this came about. If Elimelech and his family were in rebellion against God, we can hardly imagine them trying to persuade Ruth to believe. They shouldn’t even be with her! And Naomi certainly isn’t encouraging Ruth’s faith by trying to send her back to her people and her gods (1:15).

However she came to faith in the living God, Ruth persistently vowed that Naomi’s people would be her people and Naomi’s God, her God (1:16). But she would travel to Bethlehem as an outsider. What place could a Moabite have with the Lord’s people and promises? Homeless Ruth must now walk by faith to find her home in God.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Deuteronomy 23:2-6

INSIGHT
The spiritually homeless can find their home in God. If this describes you, Jesus is here welcoming you with open arms.

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Numbers 19-20
Psalm 71
John 12

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