God's Glory Church

“Stretch out your wing over your slave girl, because you are my relative.” — Ruth 3:9

Phil and Sandy, moved by the stories of refugee children, open their hearts and their home to two of them. Having picked up the children from the airport, they drove home in tension and in complete silence. “Are they ready for this?” There were many differences between them (culture, language, religion), but Phil and Sandy had to become a shelter for these wonderful children.

Boaz was also moved by the story of Ruth. He heard how she left her people to be close to Naomi, and when Ruth came to gather ears of corn in his field, Boaz blessed her with the following words: “May the Lord pay for your work, and may your reward be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, that you have come to hide under His wings” (Ruth. 2:12).

Ruth reminded Boaz of his blessing when she woke him up one night in a stream. When Boaz awoke from his dream, he asked, “Who are you?” Ruth answered: “I am your handmaid Ruth. Spread your wing over your handmaid, for you are my relative” (Ruth. 3:9).

Boaz sheltered Ruth by marrying her, and the echo of their story can be felt in the praise that their great-grandson David raised to the God of Israel: “How precious is Your mercy, O God, and the sons of men hide in the shadow of Your wings” (Ps. 35:8).

How did you feel when someone sheltered you? How can you shelter others?

Heavenly Father, in You I find refuge. Use me so that others can find refuge in You.

Author: Mike Whittmer