Christianity is not a code, conduct, etc. It is Christ. It is important to know Jesus Christ closely.

1. Be freshly cleansed (vs. 3) – “Wash yourself”

This is what we must do if we must do if we want to draw closer to Jesus. See James 4:8; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Isaiah 1:15,16. If you do not then God will not hear your prayers. See Isaiah 52:11. Imagine having an intimate relationship with someone who is dirty, sweaty and smelly. See Ephesians 5:26-27. We are cleansed by the word of God. See Psalm 119:9. The bible is like a mirror. It shows us the way we really are. See 1 John 1:7-9. We are also cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. What God calls clean – do not call unclean.

2. Be fragrantly consecrated (vs. 3)

Put on some perfume. We are to put on some anointing. The anointing that we have is the spirit of God. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the fragrance of Christ. God “smells” something good.

3. Be fitly clothed (vs. 3)

Ruth is a prospective bride. She needs to take off her mourning garments or her dirty work clothes. See Isaiah 61:1-3. We need to bring beauty, joy and praise. See Isaiah 61:10. Pull some of the groans out of your prayers and put in some hallelujahs.

4. Be fully committed (vs. 3-4)

Ruth was to place herself at the feet of her redeemer. It was full commitment. There is nothing improper here. The threshing floor was full of people. Can you have a relationship with Jesus unless you are fully committed? No! The most sacred place on earth is at the feet of Jesus.

5. Be faithfully compliant (vs. 4-5)

Ruth is not only a hearer but also a doer of the Word. Ruth did what Boaz told her to do. See John 7:17. If you surrender then God will tell you what to do. See John 14:21. Can you say to God, “I’ll do it, what do you want me to do?” You do not know God by Bible study. You can know Hebrew but not know Him. You can know Greek but not know God. Boaz received her (vs. 8-9) See Ephesians 1:3. Boaz blessed Ruth. He reassured Ruth. (vs. 11-13). There was a nearer kinsman. The law is not able to redeem. Boaz replenishes Ruth. Boaz loaded her with barley! He loves her. Ruth was to be at rest. Boaz would not rest until he had finished the thing. Jesus did not rest until he had finished the thing. Until He said “It is finished!” Jesus has done it. Jesus is our Boaz.

Categories: Ruth