Hello Simantov

I want to share something with you that might add some clarity to a couple of terms often used in the Body. Someone recently asked me if there was a difference between a Gentile being a "sojourner" with Israel, and with one being what is often referred to as a "Ruth". Yes, I believe there is a clear difference. Over my many years of walking in Israel, I have seen some obvious distinctions. A sojourner is a person who chooses to walk alongside Israel and the Jewish people, while always maintaining an exit strategy, if they tire of that role, or if it becomes too difficult. Their relationship with Israel may be seasonal. They love Israel/the Jewish people, they love Jewish things, and they truly bless Israel. Very often they also receive some kind of benefit from their love and their service. The association with Israel may be exciting, and spiritually enriching. They may develop fun friendships and learn many new things. They will stand with Israel as a supporter while not being "all in" with what a deep commitment requires in the long haul. Orpah, the other daughter-in-law of Naomi was a sojourner.

The Ruth person is very different in that he/she maintains no exit strategy. Like the Ruth, who was also a daughter-in-law to Naomi in the bible, these people leave behind their natural family and their national identity, to take upon themselves, with complete commitment, a personal identification with the Jews/Israel. The Ruth's will remain in their commitment, even if there is no benefit to them, and even if they are discouraged from walking in their commitment. When the going gets rough, a Ruth will not abandon ship. Her passion is love and service to the Jewish people. If someone slanders Israel, it is felt as slander against them personally . against their own family. Whether acknowledged or not . whether popular or not . a Ruth is "all in", through thick and thin. Why is this important? Each Gentile, who loves Israel, needs to know what group he or she is in. A Ruth not only needs to be called by God, but a Ruth needs to know that only God can help him/her carry through on the commitment required. Sojourners and Ruths alike have heart connections with Israel/Jews, but only a Ruth is so far beyond demanding personal benefit for himself/herself that he/she will stand with the people of Israel, even to the point of death. Both the sojourner and the "Ruth" are valuable to Israel. Both are cherished. However, in these days one must know that in the dark times ahead, walking with Israel will come with a price for Gentiles. Prayerfully consider where the Lord has called you. Don't let the "bill" being handed to you come as a surprise, or you will be unprepared in making your response to the bitter question, "Are you a lover of Israel and the Jewish people?"

"Ruth is a prophecy, that which none could be more beautiful and engaging, of the entrance of the heathen world into the kingdom of God. She comes forth out of Moab, an idolatrous people full of wantonness and sin, and is herself so tender and pure. In a land where dissolute sensuality formed one of the elements of idol worship, a woman appears, as wife and daughter, chaste as the rose of spring and unsurpassed in these relations by any other [human] character in Holy Writ.... Ruth's confession of God and His people originated in the home of her married life. It sprang from the love with which she was permitted to embrace the Israelites.... The conduct of one Israelitish woman [Naomi] in a foreign land was able to call forth a love and a confession of God like that of Ruth.... Ruth loves a woman, and is thereby led to the God Whom that woman confesses"
(J.P. Lange, A Commentary).