Ruth 3:1, 4, 9  “Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, ‘My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? . . . It shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go down and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.’ . . . 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: Naomi, as Ruth’s widowed mother-in-law, was the head of her household. As such, she assured Ruth that she sought security for Ruth. Her advice is for Ruth to place herself at the feet of Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer.

Application: I have long loved the book of Ruth because of the picture it paints of Boaz as a “type” of Christ, who came as our kinsman to redeem us from our sin. But today my heart focus is on Ruth. What place of greater humility could there be than to lay at someone’s feet, hoping, waiting to be noticed? Ruth asked Boaz to spread his covering over her, and he agreed.  It’s interesting to see that this isn’t something Boaz initiated; rather, Ruth had to take the initiative and ask.

I see humility as the dominant theme of this part of the story. Ruth’s humility was complete and profound. Recognizing her utter poverty and thus having nothing to lose but everything to gain, she did not hesitate to make her appeal for rescue at the smelly, calloused feet of Boaz. She asked to come under the protection of his covering. 

How unlike Ruth I tend to be! How quick I am to make mental note of all the supposedly great qualities I bring to the table. But God is looking for the humble of heart, for those who know they are but dust to be soon blown away. For those, He spreads His arms and provides covering . . . if they ask for it.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for all the times I try to act in my own strength, using my own understanding and resources as a guide. I choose this day to place myself at the foot of the cross, and I ask that You be my covering. I desire above all else to be in relationship with You today, enjoying that place of protection and peace.