Risky Business

“Ruth approached quietly...and laid down... ‘I am your servant...Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer” Ruth 3:7b-9.

If I have ever seen a risky move it was this one.  Ruth was laying it all on the line and banking on Boaz living up to his promise of being the closest kin, responsible for the care of those who had lost their spousal providers.  She in essence was proposing to him asking that he cover her in protection, love and provision for the rest of her life.  She came based on the authority of the promise and surrendered her own comfort, pride and agenda.  Quietly she slipped to her knees, surrendered her own plans, waited for his response, and asked him for the very thing he could give her...new life...new hope...redemption after losing everything...well worth the risk. 

We also have a kinsman who can redeem our lives because He lost His life for each of us.  Through the surrender of His life we have the authority and invitation to claim God as our Redeemer.  Our part is to approach Him in gentleness, humility and trust.  We must recognize like Ruth that we are servants to a great King who has reserved a place for us.  We are to expose our vulnerabilities and frailties before Him asking for God to cover us, heal our hearts, expose our flaws and transform our spirits.  We can claim all of these things through the power of Christ who went before us.  When we finally lay down our own agenda and lie at the feet of Christ we take on His yoke, one that is gentle and humble, one that will give us rest.  ‘The place of surrender is the most freeing of places to be and the hardest to get to’ Kelly Minter, Ruth – Loss, Love and Legacy, p. 103.

‘Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls’ Matthew 11:28-30.