Covered

In Ruth chapter three we see Naomi giving Ruth instructions concerning "a proposal" to Boaz. What faith it must have taken for Ruth to follow the instructions of her mother-in-law. Actually, it was a faith that was born out of crisis. I think we could make a case that a large percentage of the miracles in the gospels were because someone in crisis came to Jesus. Someone has said that crisis or desperation is the impetus for faith.
The following are some of the principles found in Ruth chapter three.

• Mighty miracles await the person willing to obey the Holy Spirit (as could be here portrayed as Naomi) even though the natural man would think it a 'risky' venture. Ruth took a risk in leaving Moab. She also took a risk in 'gleaning' in the fields. Now she takes the greatest of all risks and follows Naomi's advice. However, the victory is worth the risk!
• Ruth had to humble herself at the feet of Boaz. You and I are to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.
• Even the threshing floor is a word picture of what takes place in our spirits, i.e., the separation of the chaff from the grain of wheat or in our case, the flesh from the Spirit. The beginning of God's glory is always conceived at the threshing floor.
• But what I enjoy reading most of all is Ruth's request when Boaz was awakened and ask, "Who's there?" Her response was "cover me"; "Spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative." Cover Me! That is our primary request of our Kinsmen Redeemer - Jesus Christ. Cover my past. Cover my disappointments and heartaches. Cover my wrong decisions and actions. Cover my failures. Cover my accomplishments. COVER ME!

The beauty of this narrative is that Boaz longed to cover Ruth. The beauty of our Christ is that He longs to cover us!  He longs to gather us under his covering not just for forgiveness and protection, but for intimacy and fellowship. What a story! Someone who was a stranger to the covenants and promises of the people of God and an alien to His personal protection and care, is now brought near and given a certain future. And what's more astonishing? I am not speaking of Ruth, but you and I. WE ARE COVERED!