Meat for the Hungry

lisswoodcraftfolk,org,uk If you, like me, live in the north, then you too, are looking forward to warmer weather. I know my calendar says spring, but I haven’t yet seen enough sunshine, to blast away those winter blues. Where, oh where, is the green ? Hey, did you ever say or write a word that instantly sparks a memory? For me, just typing the word “ green ” brought one to mind. It reminded me of the Wordless Book. Now, this is not the message I had planned to write, but do any of you know what I mean?

sarahbmartin.wordpress.com Ruth 3:12-18:   Silvery moonlight illumined the threshing floor as Boaz gazed at Ruth. Barely able to make out her facial features, still he knew her eyes were full of hope. In his heart, he felt they were to wed, but there was another, a nearer kinsman who might stand in their way. Boaz was well acquainted with this man, and although he hated even the thought of his grubby hands on Ruth, Boaz knew the law favored the closer relative. Trying not to alarm Ruth, Boaz spoke softly, gently whispering his dilemma in fulfilling her request. “Yes, I am a close relative; however, there is a kinsman closer than I. We will speak in the morning and if he chooses to redeem you, then the matter is out of my hands. But, if he cannot, then I will. Stay here until dawn. It is not safe for you to travel back to your home at this hour of the night.”

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.

sarahbmartin.wordpress.com Ruth 3:6-11: Under the cover of night and a distance away from the festivities, Ruth stepped onto the threshing floor. As she searched for a place to hide, a light breeze blew through causing her anointing oil fragrance to waft into the air. Catching the scent, she worried it would give her away. But she couldn't think about that now, she just needed to hide.  Don Marco Crayon Art  Finding the perfect hiding place, Ruth sat in the shadows and dreamed of her future. What might it be like to be the wife of Boaz? How many children would they have? Ruth determined she would be a good, loving mother, but not lax. She would train and discipline her children so they would be well behaved and respectful. As time ticked by, her thoughts so engrossed her, she almost forgot where she was and why. Nevertheless, commotion from the festivities snapped her back into the present. Men were coming to find a place to bunk for the night. Keeping very s

sarahbmartin.wordpress.com “Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor…” (Ruth 3:3) Naomi desired security for Ruth and following these detailed instructions may just help her find it. However the Hebrew word translated security, manowach (pronounced maw-no’-akh), can also mean a settled spot or (place of) rest. Having the security of a home, a husband and children would give Ruth rest, but not rest from work altogether. It would be rest from laboring to provide food and shelter and living life on her own. Now, since Ruth represents the church, can you see the spiritual side of this rest. Jesus says, “Come to me all you who labor…and I will give you rest.” Our rest is salvation and ultimately, heaven. Because Hebrews 4:9-11 exhorts us to be “…diligent to enter that rest…” and some versions declare, “…labor therefore…” it almost seems like an oxymoron. However, Scripture never says believers will cease