Disciplined

 Ruth 3:14 ESV

 So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 


The self control of Ruth and Boaz is impressive here. They loved one another, but they didn't just hook up like a pair of animals. They waited until they could marry according to God's good design.

It will have taken much discipline for Ruth to follow Naomi's (questionable!) plan to 'force Boaz's hand' to 'make an honest woman' of Ruth. She went and lay at his feet until he awoke and promised to make sure he could marry her.

We can take Ruth and Boaz as a picture of the church and the Lord Jesus Christ, their divine Descendant. I'm reminded of Jesus's parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. We're to await our heavenly bridegroom with expectancy.

We might sleep before Christ returns, but let's make sure we're stocked up on the 'oil' of the Holy Spirit. Then, when our Lord finally appears, we'll be ready to welcome him. We're to receive Jesus as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

'O Lord our God, may we have the discipline we need to await your return. May we be ready for that great day. We pray for your honour, amen'.



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