As a Moabitess, the law said Ruth was unqualified to mix with Jews. ‘An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter the assembly of the Lord’ (Deuteronomy 23:3 NKJV). But when God has a plan for your life, He steps in and says, ‘I have called you by your name; you are Mine…you were precious in My sight…I will give men for you, and people for your life’ (Isaiah 43:1, 4 NKJV). When Boaz began showering Ruth with kindness, she knelt before him saying, ‘Why have I found favour in your eyes…?’ (Ruth 2:10 NKJV). Notice how Boaz answered: ‘It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done’ (v. 11 NKJV). Aware that Ruth has become the object of Boaz’s affection, Naomi instructs her: ‘He is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do’ (Ruth 3:2-4 NKJV). She started at his feet and ended up by his side. ‘Do not make yourself known.’ Don’t push, don’t try to impress God with your performance, just stay at His feet and He will raise you up to His side. ‘Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time’ (1 Peter 5:6 NKJV).

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.