Is Resurrection And Life Your Want

When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. Ruth 3: 7

I know that this story and in particular this section is most familiar, but let us look at it in deeper and different depth. This is the scene before us. Boaz is celebrating with his friends and workers because God had been good to them. The wheat harvest had been bountiful and now that this part of the work was over, they were celebrating. Yes God had indeed come to the rescue of His people and famine was no more. Boaz is eating, drinking and chatting with them all. When the time comes and he has had enough, he chooses to go over to a far end of the grain pile and find a corner where he can be alone, away from the noise, to sleep. Remember, Boaz is in good spirits, full of food and wine. It is then that Ruth, who was hiding in the shadows all that time, goes to him.

Why is Ruth in a place where she should not be? Why is she in this forbidden place? She is there for one reason and one reason only. She wants life, redemption and life. How much did she want this life? Let us look at her, focusing not just on the woman Ruth, but fixing our eyes, minds, hearts and souls on one who wants life. Let us see what Ruth, in this desire for life, is prepared to do and does.

Watches: Ruth, accepting the advice of Naomi, goes to the threshing floor, a place where she should not be. She sneaks in very secretly and finds Boaz. She positions herself in that place, and although the threshing floor is full of men, even men who might be able to offer her some kind of life, she keeps her eyes fixed on Boaz. She watches every move he makes, every action of his. Ruth has eyes for no other man but Boaz, for she knows that Boaz is her kinsman redeemer and her only hope of the redemption she wants, is through him.

Waits: Ruth not only keeps her eyes on Boaz, but she waits on him. She does not interrupt what he is doing, even though her dilemma is crucial and very important. In fact, it is a matter of life and death, yet she waits patiently on him. She waits calmly and collectively, while he eats and drinks and has fun with his friends. She waits unfailingly, as he just goes on and on. And when he does make a move to leave and go to a place to sleep, she waits quietly until he falls asleep, never minding how long it took him.

Walks: Ruth has her eyes so focused on Boaz, that when he makes his first move to leave, she is there, alert and ready to follow him. She walks wherever he walks, dodging and bobbing here and there so that she is not seen by anyone, yet not letting him escape her. She walks where he walks in the dim light of shade, just to be where he is, in that far end of the threshing floor.

Do you call Ruth’s behaviour courageous? It may be, but all I see is a person who is driven by life, someone who refuses to let death in an unredeemed life, be her story. Schooled by Naomi, Ruth has chosen to live no longer as a ‘Mara’ with Naomi. Even though it might not have been the most appropriate time, the best time of all, it mattered not to Ruth. Resurrection and Life was her driving force. There’s one more action though. When Ruth waits and walks where Boaz walks, to get to the corner of that grain pile; when he has made himself comfortable and eventually falls asleep, Ruth uncovers his feet and lies down right at his feet. The rest of the story of her redemption is well known and you may read it again in the Book of Ruth.

Let’s get real about our own lives. How badly do you want life from Jesus? I do not mean the mere existing, or just getting by. No! I am talking about the abundant life that Jesus alone gives. I am talking about the victorious life that comes from Him. I am speaking of the life that is full of the real peace and joy, which undergird even our deepest experiences of hurt, grief and pain. How much do you want this, Resurrection and Life? Are you truly satisfied with the life you now live? Do not look at what went before, but see yourself as you are now? Are you living in the promised place as Ruth was, at the perfect time, the time when, God had come to the aid of His people by providing food for them? Ruth 1:6a. Yet, like Ruth, you too are not experiencing all the Lord has come to bring. Be honest with yourself now. Do you have abundant life in Christ, so that you live a wholly victorious life in Him? If Resurrection and Life, is what you want, then dare, like Ruth, to go the most unpopular route, the way of the Cross. Are you driven enough by your want, to:-

Watch where your Kinsman Redeemer is and seek no other way?

Wait where He is, be it ever so frightening and dangerous at times, and not run away because He is taking His time?

Walk where He walks, be it dirty paths, or those that bring you great pain and suffering? And if you do these, are you willing to uncover His feet and lie there waiting for Him?

Lord Jesus, I know and believe that there is Resurrection and New Life in You only. I accept that Your freely offered Abundant Life is for me right now, if I truly want it. Amen!