Ruth 2 “Refuge and Favor”

Ruth 2 – Brandon Hatmaker “Refuge and Favor”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Monday, September 29th, 2008

“At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?"

Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

"May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord," she said. "You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls." – Ruth 2:10-13

I simply love this dialogue. There is a great correlation to God’s favor and refuge. Even more so, how we find it, and how we should respond to it. In verse 10, Ruth’s blatant humility is evident, this is no coincidence, it’s requirement. Then Boaz tells her why she has found favor with him. It is not only her heart, but her sacrifice and action. Her response? Thanksgiving and more humility. The more grace and favor he lavished on her, the more thankful she was.

This is a great word picture of our heart and posture of worship. We simply cannot do it with out the right heart and perspective. Can you imagine feeling this kind of refuge before God while worshipping Him? It would change everything.

A good friend of mine (And fellow staffer of Austin New Church) Micah Caswell, wrote in his BLOG this morning some great stuff on Ruth 2. I thought I’d share it as well:

“Naomi’s family had sought refuge under the Moabite gods. She saw the error of her ways and returned to find refuge under Yahweh. Even though Ruth had to cross many cultural barriers she also chose to find refuge under Yahweh. We all need a covering to hide under. We need someone to protect us and care for us and provide for us. Yahweh is our refuge.

Notice HOW Yahweh provides “refuge” for Ruth and Naomi, it is via the man Boaz. This is key, God provides refuge through his people! Boaz seemed to understand this and I pray that the Church would grab this. God’s primary agent for refuge is his Bride the Church. This means that the Church needs to embrace this call and care for those who need a covering.”