In scripture, God has a particular concern for the vulnerable in a culture.  Their lives have an increased uncertainty.  They are isolated and fear the unknown.  In the Old Testament, the Israelites were reminded over and over in the law to respect certain groups and not to take advantage of them.  These included the widow and the orphan, the sojourner and the poor. 

We all share in the image of God and the dignity it gives humanity.  Boaz’ treatment of Ruth is a good example.  Boaz was generous and protective before Ruth approached him to fulfill the role of a kinsman-redeemer.  We know his character as a good man and God-fearer from these actions. 

• Widow- In Biblical times, the husband carried the financial burden for the family.  When the husband died, the widow was left without a source of income.  Only the generosity of family and friends sustained her.  Poverty was likely the result.
• Orphan or Fatherless- Again the loss of the father meant wife and children were left to fend for themselves like Ruth or depend upon the care of others.  The fatherless also indicated the loss of one or both parents, leaving the children emotionally abandoned and without a good parental example.
• Sojourner or Alien- The foreigner was also vulnerable as he traveled in a country not his own.  He doesn’t speak the language, has no financial holdings in the land, and is subject to the prejudices of the people around Him.  Befriending the foreigner and smoothing his entrance into your community is important.
• Poor- Proverbs declares that the poor are often the subjects of injustice and oppression.  Consider what might have happened to Ruth had Boaz not reached out with his influence and protection.  Jesus was right when he said “The poor you always have with you” and in his parable of the great banquet, the host is adamant that the poor get an invitation too, especially when those he expected to come declined the invitation.

As we consider serving our own community, look for those who are overlooked.  Caring about the people God cares about is to care about Him.