I was studying the beautiful story of Ruth and Boaz – an incredible picture of our bridegroom – and I was struck by something that I had not seen before.
Ruth 3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
I always thought that strange. A woman who was not known by Boaz would, under the cover of darkness, go and lie down at his feet. But when you put it in context it was not unnatural at all. By her actions she was declaring to Boaz that she desired him to be her spiritual covering; you are my near kinsman, my redeemer, my only hope. But she was not alone, there was someone else who looked to her redeemer by sitting at His feet:
Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
19th century sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen sculpted a statue of Christ in which His head is in such a position that if you are standing up you cannot fully see His face. There is a sign next to the statue that says: “If you desire to see His face, you must first sit at His feet.” Ruth was laying at Boaz’s feet and Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and both women are forever remembered in God’s Word. But beyond the obvious, we need to consider what Naomi said to Ruth before she told her to find where Boaz was sleeping and to lie down at his feet.
Ruth 3:3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
There is an important message in there for the bride of Christ. Before we come to sit at our bridegroom’s feet we need to “wash” ourselves with the Word, “anoint” ourselves with the Spirit, and “cloak” ourselves with the garment of praise. When we come to sit at His feet, prepared with the Word, the Spirit, and Praise on our lips, we will be able to look up and fully see the face of our redeemer. It is then that we will hear Him say the same words that Boaz spoke to Ruth:
Ruth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
Just as Solomon viewed his Shulamite bride and Boaz viewed Ruth, Jesus looks at His bride and all He sees is one who is pure, holy, and righteous. Like the Shulamite, Ruth, and Mary, when we take the time to sit at His feet we too will be filled with wonder at the love He has for us. Then, as Naomi said to Ruth … He will tell you what to do.
If you are feeling lost today, wandering in the middle of the dry wilderness trying to find a solution for the challenge before you; if you are tired and exhausted from fighting the cares of the world; or if you feel lost and alone, you need to follow the lead of these incredible ladies of faith and sit at the feet of your redeemer. Let His cloak cover you, comfort you against the chill of the world, and protect you from those who would do you harm. Just like Boaz assured Ruth so Jesus assures us that… I will do for you all that you request.