If we do not receive one another, grievous problems may arise.

Ruth the Moabitess was an outsider tro Israel. Yet she was ultimately received by Israel. How did this happen? First, she had a strong commitment to Israel and the people of God, a commitment which Israel could not deny. Secondly, she was redeemed by a formal act of redemption and brought into the Israelite community by this redemption. These two factors were essential. But something else also had to be present before Ruth could become part of Israel. That is, she had to be accepted by the Israelites.

The same is true today for people who become part of the Christian church. They, like Ruth, must be committed to God. They must also be redeemed by Jesus Christ through his redemptive death on the cross, an act of redemption external to them. And finally, they must, like Ruth, be actually accepted by the believing community.

Before Ruth is received, the Israelites must be satisfied that everything is in order.  Thus Boaz appealed to those who witnessed the formal act of redemption. The witnesses must be satisfied that everything has been done properlyl. They then respond postively (Ruth 4:11). Israel is satisified and Ruth is received.

Similarly, today when people profess faith in Christ, the Christian church must be satisfied that the profession of faith is creditble. There must be biblical tests applied and if the church is satisifed, people who profess faith in Christ are to be received. The testing of people who say they have faith is essential. Israel must be satisfied. The church must be satisfied. We should not be so naive as to accept everyone who professes faith for not all who say they have faith  are saved.

Not only was Israel satisfied it was also magnanimous when it received Ruth as one of its own. Notice what the people and elders said to Boaz, "May the Lord make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel" (Ruth 4:11). This is a phenomenal statement. It shows a magnanimous attitude. Not only did they receive Ruth, but they wished for her that she would be great in their midst.

Their statement is one of the most powerful statements in the Old Testament as far as receiving outsiders is concerned. I wonder if we appreciate the impact of what they say.

Never forget that Israel and Moab were enemies. At one time the Israelites killed 10,000 Moabites in battle (Judges 3:29). Yet now, when Ruth the Moabitess is redeemed, the Israelites magnanimously receive her. She who was once an outsider is now part of the nation. She who was once foe is now family.

The lesson for us is that when satisfied about a person's salvation we should receive such a person into the fellowship of the church. We must receive one another. Do we do this? Do you receive those who are weak in the faith (Rom. 14:1)? Do you accommodate those who may not see things as clearly as you do?

In our relationships do we receive one another as we should? Husbands and wives, when you have differences do you make up by being kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgives you (Eph. 4:32)?

If we have learnt the lesson of Ruth 4:7-11 we must receive one another in the Lord. Not to do so would grieve our Lord. When Israel received Ruth they held no grudges against her because she was a Moabitess. So we must not hold grudges against one another Let us forgive. Let us receive one another.

(Summary of Sermon by David Yan)