Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. This week, as we take a break from our Luke series, we are reflecting on the book of Ruth. Please read Ruth chapter 3, and in this devotional, we will focus on renewing our devotion to Jesus as our Lord and redeemer.
To watch this devotional, follow the link below
‘“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.”’ (Ruth 3:9)
In 1983, a sailor named John Banfield was caught in a storm while sailing solo across the Atlantic. His boat capsized in the raging sea, leaving him stranded in icy, turbulent waters. Clinging to the overturned hull, Banfield signaled desperately for help. A passing cargo ship, the "Alraigo," spotted him after several hours. Despite the dangerous conditions, the ship's crew launched a rescue mission. Fighting massive waves, they managed to pull Banfield from the sea just as his strength was fading.
Like John Banfield, helpless on the sea, so we too need to cry out and keep depending on God as our saviour and redeemer. Ruth chapter 3 is about seeking help and salvation. In Ruth chapter 3, Ruth follows Naomi’s daring advice to approach Boaz at night; after he’s finished work and lies down to sleep (at the threshing floor), Ruth is told to uncover his feet and lie down at his feet.
The uncovering of his feet and lying down was an expression of humility and submission. It’s very interesting to notice that the word for ‘Corner’ (as in ‘Spread the corner of your garment over me’) is the same word used in 2:12 for ‘wing’ (kanaf) - it reads:
‘“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (Ruth 2:12)
Here, we are to see that Ruth is asking Boaz to be the fulfilment of His own blessing and prayer. Ruth is asking Boaz to be the Lord’s ‘Wing’ over her. The ESV puts this phrase in a more beautiful way:
‘“I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”’ (Ruth 3:9)
In effect, this is a proposal of marriage. The request for the spreading of the cloak was about protection, provision, love and friendship - all the things that marriage is meant to be.
As we see the redemption and love of a man and woman in this narrative, behind it we are to see the gospel and our relationship to Jesus. He is our ‘redeemer’; we are to lay at his feet in submission; we are to say to Him ‘“Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” Human marriage is a type and shadow of the true marriage between Christ and His church who are to love and depend upon Him.
As Ruth was prepared for Boaz, so Israel and so the church are prepared by Jesus to be His bride:
“‘I bathed you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointments on you. I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put sandals of fine leather on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments.”’ (Ezekiel 16:9-10)
Reflection
Am I lying at the feet of Christ in submission to Him? Am I depending upon Jesus as my redeemer - the one whose death has cleansed me of all my sin? Am I pursuing holiness so as to be a pure bride for Christ?
Community Group Notes
This is our week of prayer so we will meet to pray instead of in our Community Groups. Please read Church News, talk to your CG leader or contact the office for Zoom details.
Comments