A Place At His Feet Series

A Place at His Feet

Ruth 3: 7-18

It is impossible to fully understand the emotion and anxiety Ruth must’ve felt at this moment in her life. She had left the devastation of Moab, in search of a new beginning, in a strange and foreign land. We can only imagine what she might have thought in those early days in Bethlehem. She was likely overwhelmed with the good fortune she had received since making her way to a new place. They had come with nothing but despair and need, and she had found nothing but favor and abundance.

By now Ruth is well aware of the significance of Boaz in her life. She is well aware of the possibilities associated with him. She knows Boaz is a near kinsman and he could potentially redeem her, providing hope and a new life. She has spent much time in his field, all the while getting more acquainted with him and his ways. She has made the necessary preparation to meet Boaz and now the moment of truth has come. It is time to meet Boaz and find out whether her hopes of redemption will be fulfilled.

These verses are filled with truth and paint a beautiful picture of salvation by grace. I want to look at the certainties in these verses as consider: A Place at His Feet.

I. The Resolve of Ruth – She may have been a widow woman from Moab, a place not well thought of in Bethlehem, but she was a woman of courage and commitment. Ruth’s resolve serves as a challenge for all believers.

A. Her Submission (7b) – Ruth was well aware of the significance of this meeting. She knew Boaz presented the opportunity for redemption. She was committed to doing all she could to ensure she was received of Boaz. She came softly, uncovering his feet, and laid down. She had entered his presence, but she hadn’t spoken. She was not there to make demands or force herself upon him. She had come quietly, submitted to Boaz, awaiting his instruction.

This is how all must come before the Lord. We are in no position to make any demands of God. We are undeserving of any of His favor. We have no right to demand or expect anything from the Lord. All we receive is a gift of His good grace. We must come humbly in submission.

B. Her Supplication (9b) – Ruth makes a significant request: spread thy skirt over thine handmaid. In our society that doesn’t make a lot of sense. We would assume Ruth had gotten cold in the night, but this was actually a proposal of marriage. When a man spread his garment over a woman he was declaring his intent to marry her. This was a bold request, but Ruth was in a desperate situation. Without someone being willing to marry her and assume the debt she possessed; she had no hope for the future. Marriage was her only hope to escape the devastation of her past. I think it is worth mentioning that Ruth was not interested in any man, she genuinely desired Boaz. He had proven his ability and shown compassion.

When you consider the desperation of sin, it is a pretty bold request to seek the Lord in salvation. Who are we to come before the Son of God and seek His forgiveness and blessing? We are not worthy of His grace and goodness, yet the Lord desires to provide. He wants us to come to Him, seeking a relationship with Him. By the way, there is no need to seek salvation from another. Jesus is the only way. He is the only one who has the ability and compassion to save!

C. Her Sincerity (14a) – And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. Ruth was committed to doing whatever was required to ensure her redemption. She did exactly as Boaz had requested. She lay at his feet all night and rose before the dawn.

Many today will admit their need for the Lord. Many know they are lost and stand in need of salvation, but few are willing to seek the Lord and tarry at His feet in order to receive it. Some want to come to the Lord on their terms, seeking to set the boundaries and aspects of salvation. All must come as Ruth did, with a heart of sincerity and submission.

II. The Response of Boaz – Ruth took a great risk in coming to Boaz as she did. There was no guarantee as to how he would respond. He could have been embarrassed by her actions. He could have been angered at her, possibly hurting his reputation. He could have even misunderstood her altogether and assumed she was a woman of the world. Boaz continues to reveal his character in his response to Ruth. Notice: