“No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the Lord, even to the tenth generation. None of them may enter the assembly of the Lord forever” (Deuteronomy 23:3 ESV).
The law was clear: no Moabite could enter the assembly of the Lord. The Moabites had a history of opposing Israel, particularly when they refused to offer help and instead sought to curse God’s people through Balaam (Deut 23:4-5; Numbers 22-24). This law seemed to exclude any Moabite permanently.
Yet, in the book of Ruth, we see an incredible exception. Ruth, a Moabite woman, left her homeland and declared her loyalty to the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16-17). When she arrived in Bethlehem as a poor widow, she found grace in the eyes of Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer who chose to redeem her (Ruth 4:9-10). Not only was she accepted into the community, but she also became the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:21-22), and ultimately part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).
Ruth’s story is a powerful picture of God’s grace. By the law, she was excluded, but through faith and redemption, she was accepted into God’s family. The same is true for us. Because of our sin, we were separated from God, outside the assembly of His people (Ephesians 2:12). But just as Ruth found favor with Boaz, we have found grace in Jesus, our greater Redeemer. By faith in Him, we are no longer outsiders but children of God (Ephesians 2:13, 19).
If God could bring a Moabite woman into the lineage of Christ, how much more can He redeem and use us for His purposes? No one is too far from His grace. Today, let’s rejoice in the redemption we have received and share this good news with others who may feel unworthy or distant from God.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible grace that welcomes the outsider. Just as Ruth was accepted and redeemed, You have brought us into Your family through Jesus. Help us to live in gratitude for this grace and extend it to others. Let us reflect the kindness and redemption we have received in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.