THE BOOK OF RUTH

Ruth 3:9 Who are you? I am Ruth your handmaid or bondservant. A Moabite, a people disliked by Israel. A stranger, a foreigner. But because of her commitment to the Lord. She was received as a proselyte. Boaz had treated her so well that she now felt that, at the least, she was his servant. Spread the corner, or wing, of your garment over me for you are a near kinsman, or redeemer. In so doing he showed a commitment to his responsibility as a kinsman/redeemer. She had come to rest under his wings. This is a place of loving kindness and trust. The Bride will know this place of refuge as she finds herself the beneficiary of his priceless love Ps.36:7 The Bride will find shelter and comfort in the shelter of His wings. It will be her refuge in a time of trouble. Ps.61:4 Under the great wings of the Lord there is joy and rejoicing. Ps.63:7 In the time of trouble and distress and tribulation there is a secure place where the Bride is hidden from the storm surrounding her. Ps. 57:1.

3:10 Boaz invoked the blessing of the Lord on Ruth and commended her for her commitment and choice. Note he addressed Ruth as my daughter, making her acceptance in Israel to be complete. She is no longer a stranger but among the accepted in Israel. He looked upon her choice as an act of kindness greater than any that were done previously. There is a wonderful parallel her between Christ and His Bride. The Bride must be at His feet in consecration at the midnight hour. Her background is one like that of Ruth. Born in sin, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel. But now considered to be the beloved of the Lord. Elevated by His grace and abounding mercy. Received and loved as a child of the Most High. Our near kinsman, the Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed us by His own blood. We are now bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh. We are the body of Christ in the earth, preparing and anxiously awaiting that day when He will take us to the secret place of the Most High. Blessed hiding place in the shadow of His great wings. She did not seek others. She had eyes only for Him.

Ruth 3:11 Fear not. How like the words of our Lord to His people. Fear not I am with you, I will never leave nor forsake you. Oh, what a promise; I will do for you all that you ask. Ask and it shall be given. Whatsoever you ask in my name that will I do. The promises of the Lord are multitudinous. He will accomplish His word in his own. By this time, the whole city is aware of Ruth and knows that she is a woman of noble character. v.12. There is just one hitch. There is a kinsman that is nearer than I, he must be dealt with first. We were born in sin and shapened in iniquity. Born into the kingdom of darkness, nationals of the kingdom of the god of this world, Satan himself.

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