Those who claim you are covered under your wings.

Key Verse: Ruth 3:9 (ESV) He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”

This month’s devotional comes from Ruth 3: 8-11 

At the age of two, one of our children spent 17 days and nights in the hospital. Gravely ill, she was at an age where she could comprehend some of the ordeals but did not have the vocabulary yet to communicate her fears. God, in His mercy, chose to restore her to health, and we celebrated the day she returned home. However, we soon learned that the stay in the hospital had traumatized her. Every night, for many months, I suddenly awakened to someone staring at me. After the first jolt of fear, I would awaken enough to realize that it was our toddler standing at the head of our bed. In my sleep-deprived mind, I would scoop her into my arms and cuddle her in bed until I could later return her to her own.

 In today’s verses, we find Boaz startled in his sleep and awakened to a surprising situation. During the spring harvest, the Israelites celebrated the Festival of First Fruits after a long day of threshing. Once the wind died down, the weary men with their families shared a banquet and a celebration of God’s provision and faithfulness. As was common practice, Boaz had gone back to the top of the hill, to the threshing floor to sleep. According to J. V. McGee, during the threshing season, it was customary for the threshers to return to sleep on this circular, public ground area to protect the grain from marauders and thieves. They would lie with the grain in the center of this area with heads close to the grain. Legs would extend out, somewhat like the spokes of a wheel. Because this was the spring festival, families would have camped nearby.  

 Ruth, following explicit directions from Naomi, came to this public place to claim her right to the kinsman-redeemer for Naomi’s family. There was nothing improper or questionable regarding the act that Naomi asked Ruth to perform. To comprehend this section of scripture, we must understand the Law of the Kinsman-Redeemer as stated in  Deuteronomy 25: 5-10.  The Mosaic Law stated that any childless widow of an Israelite was in the position to claim the closest relative as the person who would perpetuate the God-given inheritance of family and land. However, it was the duty of the widow to claim this right. Ruth, being a Moabite and outsider, was unsure of being accepted. She possibly had been warned by Naomi that the townspeople could reject her. She most likely did not think that she could go straight to Boaz and say, “Marry me.”  Seeing Ruth’s reluctance, Naomi, playing the part of a matchmaker, crafted a plan more in keeping with Ruth’s humble nature. 

 To understand Ruth’s next move, we need to interpret another ancient Middle East custom. When a man placed a corner of his garment over a maiden, this act was considered a token of marriage. Once Boaz was asleep, Ruth lay down with her feet toward his and gently tugged his cloak until part of it covered her. Just as the cold awakens us, Boaz probably woke with a chill and reached down to grab his blanket. Imagine his surprise when he awoke to find a woman at his feet!  In his stupor of sleep, Boaz asked who was there. Ruth, with uncharacteristic boldness, finally asked Boaz to marry her.  She claimed him by asking him to be her kinsman-redeemer.  Ruth 3:9  He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”  What a surprise wake-up call! This sweet request from a beautiful young lady was a thrilling moment for this much older man. Ruth chose Boaz over a redeemer who might have been younger or wealthier. 

Using scripture to interpret scripture, Ezekiel 16:8 explains the idiom Ruth used to ask the favor of marriage boldly. “When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine.”  In an everlasting love for His bride, the church, the Lord completed the same tasks for the church that Naomi asked of Ruth.  Ezek 16:9 “Then I bathed you with water and washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I clothed you also with embroidered cloth and shod you with fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk.”  Our God has covered His garment over us, claiming us as his own.

 Friends, God worked in the heart of Boaz from the beginning.  Boaz chose to protect, provide food, and encourage Ruth throughout the six weeks of both wheat and barley harvest. He watched her daily and witnessed her hard work, commitment, and love for Naomi. As Boaz watched Ruth’s commitment to Naomi, God revealed to Boaz that Ruth was committed to him. However, Ruth had to be the one to claim her redeemer. Like Ruth, we are the only ones who can claim the Lord as our redeemer. Once we claim Him, Jesus himself has already done the work of washing us from our sins, anointing us with the Holy Spirit, and dressing us in His robe of righteousness. Jesus is our kinsman-redeemer. With a heart of thanksgiving, we can come boldly before His throne and claim Him, asking that He will cover us with the corner of His garment. As in the love story of Boaz and Ruth, in His infinite love, God has already accepted those who claim Him.

Dear God, even though we are doubtful and reluctant, you have already offered to cover any believer who calls upon Your name. Thank you for this love story that reflects Your commitment and love for us. Thank you for washing us, anointing us, and clothing us with your righteousness. You alone, have done the work of redemption. Help us to humble ourselves on the threshing floor of our lives and accept Your gifts of redemption, grace, and mercy. In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer, amen.

 

Application question: Ruth’s character was displayed for all in Bethlehem to see. Her character and faithfulness to Naomi drew the heart of Boaz to her. How might your character and faithfulness draw others to seek the love and redemption of Christ?