Today’s Reading: Ruth 3

“Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.” And she said to her, “All that you say to me I will do.”” (Ruth 3:3–5)

The Book of Ruth is a story of love and redemption between a foreign woman named Ruth and a rich Israelite man named Boaz. Theologically, it stands as a picture of God’s love and Christ’s redemption for us. Our Lord Jesus Christ is our Kinsman Redeemer, just as Boaz was to Ruth.

As we arrive in chapter 3, Ruth has come face to face with Boaz, and has chosen to place her faith in him to perform the act of redemption. Even though Ruth was a Moabite, she was the widow of an Israelite man. Her deceased husband was the heir of a plot of land in Bethlehem that needed to be redeemed by a relative (see Leviticus 25:8-10). This gave Boaz the legal right, as a close kin, to perform the action of redemption of the land and to lawfully take Ruth as his wife.

In preparation of being redeemed, Ruth follows the plan given to her by her mother-in-law Naomi. And it is within this plan that we discover a beautiful picture of how we, the Church, ought to behave ourselves before our Great Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

First, Ruth makes herself ready. She is told to wash and anoint herself, followed by putting on her best garments. This clearly displayed her desire to be the bride of Boaz. Should we expect anything less from a bride? How monstrous would it be for a bride to present herself stained and ugly?

Perhaps you already see the application. Just as Ruth presented herself washed, anointed and dressed, so, too, must we as the bride of Christ present ourselves. Have you taken your preparations seriously? Are you clean? Are you anointed? Have you put on fresh garments of the new man?

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:2–3)

Second, we see that Ruth humbled herself. In a humiliating act of servanthood, Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz. Servants washed their masters’ feet, not brides! And yet, her display of humility speaks to that of John the Baptist’s: “There comes One after me who is mightier than, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.” (see Mark 1:7) This also is what makes Christ washing His disciples' feet in John 13 a significant act of humility. In doing so, Christ became the servant of all.

What an example for us! If Ruth, and John the Baptist, and even our Lord Jesus Christ, have stooped in humility as servants, so must we! Have you humbled yourself at the feet of your Redeemer today?

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

Third, and finally, we observe that Ruth quieted herself. She waited to hear the word of Boaz and be instructed on what to do next. No presumption. No demands. No anxiety. Just a presentation of quietness.

When was the last time you quieted yourself before the presence of your Redeemer? The amount of words we use are often in direct correlation with our faith. The more we speak, the less we trust. The less we speak, the more we trust.

The wise words of Solomon are in order:

“Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

What a lesson for us, Beloved! To truly humble ourselves we must learn to shut up and let the Redeemer speak! If you feel aimless and without direction, perhaps God is waiting for you to hold your tongue.

“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10)

“He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven.” (Psalm 107:29–30)

Therefore, let us be as Ruth! Let us be ready for the coming of our Redeemer. Let us serve Him in humility. Let us learn to be quiet and listen to His voice. For in these things we find rest and gladness of heart.

‍