“And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.” – Ruth 1:22c

Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

The story began with Bethlehem being out of bread. But now the bakers of Bethlehem are doing business again. God’s people are eating the blessings of covenant obedience as promised in Deuteronomy 28.

But even if Naomi and Ruth are going to get supper tonight, they are still basically a dead branch of the covenant community. There are no offspring to carry on the family name. And no children means no participation in the line to Christ!

But, praise God, there’s more to this story. And that “more” is captured in the perfect timing of this return. The barley harvest gave rise to the Feast of First Fruits as described in our reading.

It was a feast designed by God to have His people “rejoice in all the good that the LORD your God has given to you,” (Deut. 26:11). And what did God’s people have to rejoice about? A good harvest? Yes! But even more importantly, God’s gift of redemption from Egypt’s slavery as described in verses 5-10.

And who was to rejoice in this redemption? Verse 11 says, “you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.” The sojourner… the one not originally from the covenant community. To Ruth God says “Welcome. This story of redemption is now your story too.”

To all who did not grow up in the church, to all who are just now coming to know the God of redemption, we say “Welcome! There’s always more room under the wings of our Redeemer.”

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for those you know, who are coming to faith, and ask God to help you make them feel welcome within the covenant community.

Since 2019, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen has served the Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Church near Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. He, his wife, children and grandchildren are deeply grateful for the blessing of daily living under the shelter of God’s wings. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.