Preparing for Divine Encounter: Lessons from Ruth 3:3
"Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking." - Ruth 3:3
The Book of Ruth is one of those beautiful narratives in Scripture that showcases not only loyalty and love but also profound lessons on preparation and divine timing. In Ruth 3:3, we find an intriguing piece of advice given to Ruth by her mother-in-law, Naomi: "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
At first glance, this verse can appear as nothing more than instructions regarding attire and timing, but a deeper analysis reveals significant insights about spiritual preparation and the nature of divine encounters in our lives.
1. **The Importance of Purity and Preparation**:
The directive to wash and anoint herself speaks directly to the need for purity. In the Bible, washing often symbolizes a cleansing from sin or a preparation for holy encounters. Ruth was preparing for a momentous meeting with Boaz, the man who would become her kinsman-redeemer. Spiritually, this acts as a picture of how we must prepare ourselves when seeking God’s intervention in our lives. Before we approach the Throne of Grace, we should engage in spiritual cleansing – casting aside doubt, sin, and anything that could hinder our fellowship with God.
2. **Setting the Stage with Appropriate Raiment**:
Ruth was instructed to don her best raiment, which symbolizes the need for us to cultivate a posture of righteousness. In the New Testament, we are reminded in Ephesians to put on the armor of God. Just as one would dress appropriately for a significant event, we too must ensure that we are spiritually dressed – equipped with faith, truth, and the readiness to share the Gospel. In this way, when the opportunities to meet with God arise, we are adequately prepared to engage in meaningful communion with Him.
3. **The Timing of the Encounter**:
Naomi advises Ruth to wait until after Boaz had eaten and drunk, suggesting there is wisdom in understanding the appropriate timing for significant conversations or requests. This applies not only to human relationships but also in our relationship with God. There are times when we might feel the urge to rush into prayer or demand an answer immediately from God, but Ecclesiastes teaches us there's a time for everything. Part of preparing for that divine encounter is waiting on the Lord and seeking His timing rather than ours. This requires patience and trust in His sovereign plan for our lives.
4. **The Role of Discretion**:
The instruction to not make herself known to Boaz until he had finished eating and drinking highlights a principle of discretion. Ruth was not to force herself into the situation but to observe and wait. This can be a hard lesson for us in a culture that often promotes striving and self-promotion. In our lives, we need to understand the power of discretion and the importance of timing. Sometimes it requires that we sit back, observe, and wait for God to move on our behalf, rather than trying to push through barriers in our own strength.
5. **Trusting God in the Waiting**:
As Ruth followed Naomi's instructions, she showed immense trust in both her mother-in-law’s wisdom and in God's plan for her life. Trust is crucial in our journey of faith. God may lead us to a place of waiting, but He is always at work behind the scenes, using our preparations and patience for His purpose.
In conclusion, Ruth 3:3 offers a profound lesson on the importance of preparation, the significance of timing, and the beauty of trusting God in our pursuit of divine encounters. As we go through our lives, may we remember to wash ourselves in the Word, anoint ourselves with the Spirit, and dress ourselves in righteousness so that we may be ready for when God calls us to step into our destiny. Remember, preparation is not just about the act itself; it is about aligning our hearts with God's purpose and trusting His timing.
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Ruth 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
"Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking." - Ruth 3:3
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
Ruth 3:10 - "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
Ruth 3:7 - "And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down."
"¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet." - Ruth 3:8
"And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9
"¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her." - Ruth 3:6
Ruth 3:4 - "And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do."