Ruth 3:9 “And he said ‘who are you?’ And she answered ‘I am Ruth, your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.’”
Observation: Ruth was the widowed daughter-in-law of Naomi. Naomi’s husband Elimelech had brought Naomi and their two sons to a foreign land, Moab, because they would find respite there from Bethlehem’s famine. When Elimelech died their sons took Moabite wives. When the childless sons died ten years into their sojourn, Ruth promised to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem having heard that its famine had ended.
Once home, Ruth and Naomi survived by Ruth’s gleaning grain from barley and wheat fields owned by Boaz, who was known to Naomi as a wealthy “close relative” of her late husband. Ruth’s reputation for kindness to Naomi had become known throughout Bethlehem, for when Boaz saw her gleaning in his fields, he became both protective and generous toward her. Knowing this, Naomi encouraged Ruth to put on her Sunday best, uncover Boaz’s feet as he slept, and lie there ‘til he told her what to do. The result was his commitment to redeem the field Ruth’s father-in-law Elimelech had left to Naomi, which also involved redeeming (marrying) Ruth. Ultimately the son they had together, Obed, became the grandfather of King David.
Application: Ruth’s story is one of the loveliest in all of Scripture. It is filled with pictures of faithfulness and graciousness, kindness and generosity. In these four chapters there is no recounting of sin or shortcomings. When on the threshing floor Ruth told Boaz to spread his covering over her, she risked everything. From her position of utter humility laying at his feet she was a picture of complete vulnerability and dependence upon the only man who could be her redeemer.
I have done that. At the cross and through his resurrection Jesus showed himself qualified to be the only man who could redeem me. By lovingly bowing before him I express my utter trust in his unmatched ability to spread his covering over me for all eternity. But even as my heart rejoices over the ultimate security he provides, I must confess that I have at times chosen to leave his covering in pursuit of my own best efforts. Ruth would have been supremely foolish to have declined Boaz’s offer. She had to purposefully ask him to cover her, even as I must make a similar choice if I want to enjoy the full rewards purchased by his resurrection.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, through your sacrifice you have become the only man who can cover me. Your redemption is complete. Thank you for creating in me desperation that has led me to ask for your covering. What a wonderful Savior!