(Boaz said to Ruth,) "The Lord, the God of Israel, will pay you in full. You have come to him for safety, and he will protect you.” ~ Ruth 2:12b (ERV)
So you are no longer outsiders and strangers. You are citizens together with God’s people. You are also members of God’s family. ~ Ephesians 2:19 (NIRV)
Almighty God of Israel, you are also the Compassionate God of Outsiders. Sometimes I get so comfy in my life routine that I forget who I am and how I got here. Thank you for this reminder about your enthusiasm for those on the outside. Even though I have no claim of my own, you welcome me into your great extended family. What other god or being or power throws the doors wide open and invites the misfits and outcasts to enjoy divine fellowship and protection? Many people in the world are busy doing things to try and win the attention and affection of their gods. But you, the God, are busy doing things to try and win the attention and affection of even the most useless people. This is so amazing and beyond what we could have dreamed up for ourselves. I'm going to walk through this day with bubbling thankfulness -- and I'm going to do it even while some people try to put me down. They won't succeed because you are our protector. Amen.