The Book of Ruth Series - A Beautiful Exchange - Lesson 19

sarahbmartin.wordpress.com

Emerging from her hiding place, Ruth carried out Naomi’s instructions to the last detail.

While Boaz slept, “…she came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet.” (Ruth 3:7-8)

When we study the book of Ruth, we must remember the symbolism our great God has built into this amazing true story. Ruth, as we have seen in past lessons, represents the church, the bride of Christ, and Boaz, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, where we find Ruth in relation to Boaz is important.

She is at his feet. This is a place of submission, a position of humility, and an attitude of surrender and expectation. Ruth, helpless and vulnerable, looked to Boaz for hope and a future.

Boaz is a good man, but his humanity limits his capacity to help or save. Yet, our Boaz, the Lord Jesus Christ, is able to save to the uttermost. He is Lord of all creation and His own arm brought salvation. In Him, we have a future and a hope. 

olgakhumlo.org

In the New Testament, Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, sat at the feet of Jesus, soaking her heart in His word. Once, she washed his feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. And, when Lazarus died, she fell down at His feet. 

Mary, like Ruth, knew where she needed to be.

Furthermore, when Boaz awoke to find a woman at his feet, Ruth proposed. She said, “…Take your maidservant under your wing…”referring to the ancient custom of placing a cloak over the one you will claim in marriage.

st-takla.org

Almighty God said in Ezekiel 16:8-10, “When I…looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love; so I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath…and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine…”

Long afterward Paul wrote, “…I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (II Corinthians 11:2)

We are all naked in sin before God. But, from the moment Jesus Christ raised the cup of the new covenant, to the cross, where He demonstrated His love by shedding His blood, and beyond, we have the chance to become His bride.

This was the deeper meaning in the beautiful exchange between Boaz and Ruth, on the threshing floor that night, so long ago.

So, where are we in relation to our Boaz?

Do we fall at His feet in worship recognizing we too are helpless in our life situation? Do we position ourselves there to confess our sin and daily learn from Him?

Truth is, Boaz could have rejected Ruth’s proposal, but we have no such worry with Jesus. He says, “…the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (John 6:37)

Still, it all begins at Jesus’ feet.