SAMI MACDONALD|GUEST

As the resident of my 17th home in 34 years, my many memories of being the new girl often culminate in various cafeterias. Memories of circling tables while scanning for an open seat, holding a tray that feels as wobbly as my quickly beating heart. I remember wanting to ask the scariest question: “Is this seat taken?” What I really wanted wasn’t just a seat, but for someone kind to notice me and offer me a seat at her table. I longed to belong. And that longing doesn’t end when schoolgirl days are over. Maybe you have been here, too. Being new—to a church, town, job, or just walking into any room full of unfamiliar faces—can leave us feeling quite vulnerable.

Newness stirs in us a deep fear of isolation, including her counterparts’ shame and rejection. About this, the Gospel has much to say. I invite you to consider periods of transition as opportunities to lean into the rich spiritual realities of our bond with Christ. Let’s look to the beloved book of Ruth, whose story of new girls in a new land demonstrates God’s faithful love.

Ruth and Naomi were single women uprooted from their home country. Being in a foreign land wasn’t just uncomfortable, but dangerous. In a patriarchal society, they were vulnerable without a husband’s provision. In God’s kindness, Ruth is seen by Boaz, who eventually becomes her redeemer.

“Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (Ruth 2:10)

We also are seen in our vulnerability. 

Acknowledging the reality of our aloneness in new situations is appropriate but does not have to define us. At one time we were indeed separated, alienated, and without hope (Eph. 2:12). But we find rest when we remember God graciously fixed His gaze upon our vulnerability and brought us near, grafted us into Himself, sheltering us under His wings. These aren’t just momentary truths at salvation or future hopes for eternity. Our Father sees our vulnerabilities now and it is in His very character to move toward our needs (Matt. 7:11).

Furthermore, Boaz not only sees Ruth’s needs, but he also welcomes her to his personal table.

“And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over” (Ruth 2:14).

Boaz is a pointer to Christ. He doesn’t just satisfy her need for a meal, but as the story unfolds, he marries her, providing ultimate security as she joins his covenant family.

We also are secured at the finest table

In Christ, our place at the lavish feast is set (Luke 14:12-24; Rev. 19:9). But this spiritual truth is hard to believe when surrounded by unfamiliarity. When we forget our security in Christ, the tendency is to self-orient. This could manifest in ways like building relational walls to protect ourselves from being hurt or seeking acceptance by curating our identity through appearance, personality, or accomplishments. But my friend, we are seen and secure, which means we can walk into any space, be it familiar or foreign, with assurance of Christ’s love for us. Rather than waving the flag of self, we can raise His banner of love (Song of Solomon 2:4).

As the redemptive narrative ends, Ruth bears a son, extending the Davidic lineage which leads to the birth of Christ.

Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him” (Ruth 4:14-15).

It turns out that Ruth and Naomi’s unfortunate displacement was actually a divine assignment. They were given security for a truly anointed purpose.

We too are sent with a purpose  

When we grasp the guarantee of our bond with Christ, our perspective is renewed. Instead of wallowing in our newness waiting to be pursued, we are compelled by the Spirit to give life (1 John 5:12) to those around us. Ruth gave life through a child, but we may be called to pray with a grieving friend, open our homes for hospitality, or share the Gospel. No matter where we find ourselves, our lives become a walking summons: “Join me! Christ has a seat for you.”

The Gospel promise is that we are never left unnoticed. In God’s covenantal love, our uncomfortable assignments are often the places He will use us to bring comfort to others and glory to His name. Be met with the steadfast love of your Savior, lending strength to your weakness and tender care to your needs. He sees you, He secures you, and He sends you.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash