This morning was another of those moments when the Lord puts a picture on my mind and tells me to write about what I see. And, while this is not a literal translation of the scripture, the picture reminded me of what I thought the first time read what Naomi said to Ruth about her kinsman redeemer…
Ruth 3:4-5 When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” 5 “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. NIV
Isn’t that a picture of the Holy Spirit drawing us to Jesus, our kinsman redeemer? Ruth is a perfect pattern for our faith for those moments when we have to trust the Word of God, commit our way to Him and act. This is the moment when many hold back because they can’t see how it will all work out. They are always waiting for God to show them more before they trust Him and act. They are so afraid of making mistake that they do nothing.
The answer is to sit at our bridegroom’s feet, knowing by faith that He will tell us what to do. But that doesn’t mean just coming to Him when we need an answer or a direction. Like Ruth, we need to be at His feet all the time; that is a true relationship with Jesus.
Jesus is our kinsman redeemer. He is the one who has taken responsibility for His bride to act on her behalf when she is in trouble, danger or need. He is the One who paid the full ransom price on the cross to redeem her from slavery to sin and restore her spiritual relationship with the Father; so that she might become adopted sons and daughters of God through faith.
As Boaz dealt with Ruth, Jesus deals with every one of His repentant, believing people; His bride. When we cast ourselves at His feet, totally dependent upon His mercy, He welcomes us with His steadfast love. That thought was so well captured in a poem by Anna L. Waring (In Heavenly Love Abiding) some 150 years ago where she expressed Ruth’s confidence … and as His bride our confidence …
Wherever He may guide me,
No want shall turn me back;
My Shepherd is beside me,
And nothing I can lack.
His wisdom ever waketh;
His sight is never dim.
He knows the way He taketh,
And I will walk with Him.