Inside-Out Hospitality

Host: Hi, everyone! Welcome to another captivating episode of Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight. In this show, we delve into the lives of ordinary people, just like you and me, in the Bible, who have distinguished themselves through their exceptional hospitality.

Today’s guest could easily star as Prince Charming in one of those feel-good romance movies like Cinderella. You know, the kind where a wealthy man falls in love with a poor ‘maiden,’ and beyond all odds, they marry and live happily ever after! Well, he was a rich and influential man in Bethlehem, and he was…a redeemer! He may have been called Boss, Big Man, Grand, Baba in Cameroon, Oga, or Odugwu (parara!) in Nigeria.

Our hero’s story is found in the book of Ruth in the Bible. You probably know the story of Ruth and Naomi. Many name their girl children after them. But I think the book should have been called Boaz (and maybe we should name our children after him)! He showed great kindness, responsibility, and hospitality, which is why he is here. So, ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome Boaz, Le Père, Le Porteur!

Boaz: Wow, I almost didn’t recognize myself in that intro. Thanks, it’s a pleasure to be here.

Host: Your story is so interesting, but before we get into it, what motivates you to show hospitality?

Boaz: I would say the hospitality that was shown towards us. You know, my mom wasn’t originally an Israelite. But if she had never told me, I may never have known. The people didn’t treat us like outsiders. My mom herself was a great role model of hospitality, so it became a part of our house culture.

Host: That’s powerful. What a lovely legacy your mom, Rahab, gave you. We had a pleasant time with her during the last episode.

Now, let’s dive into the story proper. You walk into one of your farms. Then you spot Ruth (hehehehe…one fine girl, I suppose, hard to miss), and the whole story begins.

What marks me is that sensitivity. I mean, you came for your farms. Another person may have seen that and wouldn’t care to know more. But not you! Then you go ahead and offer her protection and water.

And now, the next thing I notice is that you seem good with words. First, you greet your workers: “The Lord be with you.” That’s a powerful greeting. I would like to try it next time, but people might look at me funny, so…

Second, she says (Ruth 2:13)

“You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”

And you had not even given her food yet!

That tells me hospitality can be offered even with our words.

Now, the hook…I love how you told your workers to not give her a hard time. How do you think all this can be applied in our modern-day setting?

Boaz: To answer your question, let me give a bit of context. Naomi and Ruth left their country for ours because of the famine. Many people move from their former homes, schools, workplaces, and even churches because something pushed them away from there…Maybe not famine per se, but perhaps the place was ‘toxic’, as you say it nowadays.

Now, they heard that our place still has crops (they hear that Christians are supposed to be kind). So they move and find themselves in the same workplace, church, neighbourhood, etc., as you.

But you, the Christian, are so busy with your stuff that you do not take the time to notice the new person or the one in need (a widow, orphan, etc). What does that say about you? We may only ever notice the person when the person stops coming to church. Then we will become reactive and want to visit and do all the things we should have done before! It’s not an accurate representation of the Christ we serve. Let’s be proactive!

Now imagine that one eventually keeps coming to church or shares a workspace with you…you can show hospitality by not giving them a hard time and making sure others do not. That could mean showing them around and not letting people exploit them.

Host: I must admit, I never saw it like that. When people come to church, we sing the welcome song and give the welcome handshake, but that’s about it. After that, we move right back onto our friends. We think of hospitality as a one-time thing where we visit those who were bereaved, give birth, etc., and tick it off our list. But looking at your story, we see that hospitality is ongoing, not a one-time thing.

Hospitality comes with blessings; in your case, it came with a wife! Smart move!

Boaz: Hahahahaha, I knew I was going to be forever tagged by that. But it was not like that, I promise! But in my defence…Ruth was a fine woman, not just on the inside but on the outside. Look what she did for her mother-in-law. Who wouldn’t want such a loyal woman by their side? So, my guys looking to settle, I have this verse for you…

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. (Proverbs 31:30)

My Ruth is to be praised.

Host: Love oh…”My Ruth”…I love the sound of that. But don’t worry, you are not the first whose hospitality led to marriage. Moses helped Jethro’s daughters, and Jethro welcomed Moses in. Moses ended up marrying one of Jethro’s daughters.

You did the right thing. In fact, what you did, redeeming her is kinda like what Jesus did for us. He took us foreigners, paid the price for our land (sins), married us, giving us a godly inheritance. Hallelujah!

Your relative was interested in the land but was not ready to take on Ruth. But not you. Were you not afraid it might affect your inheritance?

Boaz: Hospitality is a sacrifice we have to be willing to make. You cannot make omelettes without breaking eggs. I can’t promise you that hospitality will not affect you ‘negatively’ sometimes. Yes, there will be times when you will have to give up your time, money, space…your this or that… but the first thing you have to know is none of those things even belong to you in the first place!

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; (Psalms 24:1).

God, who gave them to you, wants you to share generously with others;

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.(Hebrews 13:16)

It does come with some blessings.

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. (Luke 6:38)

Now, I am not asking you to marry everyone you show hospitality to, your blessing might not be marriage. Mama Naomi, too, got to take care of our son, Obed, as if he were hers. That’s huge. Your blessing may not be immediate or directly from the person to whom you offered it to, but God rewards obedience.

Host: You got to become the great-grandfather of King David and in the lineage of Jesus. Wow, what a privilege. So, Oga Boaz, any final words for us?

Boaz: Just a challenge for us all. Who is the Ruth in your life right now that you need to extend hospitality towards? A new coworker, schoolmate, or church member? A widow or orphan in your community? Do not hesitate, bless the person with your words, invite the person over, share and show kindness. Not only will you properly represent Christ, but who knows what relationships could come out from there (winks).

Host: There you go. Thank you immensely for coming to the show, sharing your wisdom, and making a huge donation to our blog. You are not called Big Man for nothing!

If you enjoyed the show, please like, share, and comment. Next up, we will be inviting King David! You do not want to miss that.

Until next time!