We have all heard the story of Ruth and Boaz, but I wanted to point out some things that struck me as “new gold.” I read about this insight from Joseph Prince’s book, Provision Promises.
Ruth’s husband had died and she was living with Naomi her mother-in-law. Naomi wanted a caretaker for Ruth and told her to go quietly and lay at Boaz’s feet at night. She did so and when he awoke in the night they had an interesting and “to-the-point” conversation.
[Rth 3:9-13 NIV] “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” “The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.
Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”
In the morning, she slyly left and returned to Naomi who instructed her in her elder wisdom (vs 18) “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”
Here is the beauty of this – Ruth had a need and she went out in obedience to Naomi and did what she was told. Then it was time to …. wait. Often times the Lord will move on our heart to do something and we will eventually get brave enough or (still scared) we will do that thing and then all of a sudden it feels like the earth has stopped revolving. Everything is silent and we are…. waiting. This was Ruth’s position, but the awesome thing is that Naomi told her that Boaz would not rest until the matter was settled.
As Joseph Prince points out in his book, Boaz resembles Jesus position for us. We go to Jesus and He says with all of His heart – I will redeem you MYSELF. Now we know that Jesus’ work has been finished as he yelled out in his last breath on the cross. He made sure the matter of our guardian-reedemership was settled. He did it himself. He is very possessive of us because of His great love to us.
So when you feel alone or you feel that no one is “guardianing” or covering you the way you would like – remember this – Jesus decided to redeem you and to be your Protector, your Provider (Jehovah Jireh) and your intimate Healer (Jehovah Rapha).
What do you need today? Lay at his feet and be frank with him, like Ruth was to Boaz and then…. wait.
It is our privilege in Christ as Christians to wait for the mighty hand of God to move on our behalf. Ask and then wait… and He will do all the work and care for you – you need not figure it out yourself.
