Today's Reading: Ruth 3; Ruth 4; Psalm 64; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 6
Scripture: Ruth 3:18 Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today."
Observation: This romance story should thrill every follower of God. I say that because I see a great parallel between Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth, and Jesus Christ, my redeemer. In Israel, there had developed this system of redemption for a widow. She could go to her a certain person within her clan who had the right to redeem her. She was to lay down at his feet and ask him to cover her with the corner of his mantel (his blanket or cloak). This was symbolic of her need to be cared for due to the fact that as a widow, she was exposed in many ways. If this relative, known as the kinsman-redeemer, covered her, she would come under his covering of care and become his wife. In this verse, Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz "will not rest until the matter is settled today." Boaz was drawn to Ruth. He was eager and determined to do everything he could to secure Ruth as his wife.
Application: I have a kinsman-redeemer named Jesus Christ and He, like Boaz, is passionately determined to take me as His own. How amazing it must have felt for Ruth, a foreigner, to think that this wealthy and respected man would really desire her as his wife. And it amazes and blesses me to know that Jesus, the Son of God, desires to have an intimate, personal love relationship with me. He does not rest until He secures His right to take me. To accomplish this cost Him greatly: His death on the cross was what was required to secure His position as my Redeemer. But He did not hesitate in the least. The passion of the Christ is the story of the Greatest Lover in the history of the world and His pursuit of those He loved by giving His own life to save them. I can forget how much Jesus loves me and the passion with which He pursued me. The story of Ruth reminds me.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving me so much. Thank You, Father, that Your Son so loved me that He gave His life to redeem me from myself, my brokenness, and from the fate of the self-directed life. Thank You for redemption and may I walk in the ever-present awareness and appreciation of Your passion for me. May it awaken my passion for You and arouse my desire to daily live in that passion and to bring others to a real and living relationship with the great Redeemer.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
3 comments:
Isn't it wonderful to know that we have a redemer who is so devoted to us? Knowing that I have Him looking ut for me and ready to interceed for me is truely comforting. Realating ths story from the Old Testament to Jesus was very helpful in understanding the spirituality of this story. Thank you for the insight. God Bless you you Pastor Mike. We look forward to your return. Have a blessed day.
Sorry about the anonymous statement. I forgot to put my name in the little box below :)
Oftentimes, it seems my relationship with the Lord is one of God "always being there", such "our Rock", which can tend toward passivity. This passage is a reminder of the active pursuit and interest God has in us. For me, it spurs me to also actively pursue God, not only for myself, but because of the modeling effect that has on those around you.
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