Anchor Devotional

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A Declaration of Faith

“‘Who are you?’ he asked. ‘I am your servant Ruth,’ she said. ‘Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.’” Ruth 3:9

Imagine waking in the morning to find somebody curled up in bed with you! Dawning dread racks your mind, and you notice that this is also a person who comes with a bad reputation (whether deserved or not). This is the predicament of Boaz. If he were to act out of the sinful desires of the flesh, he might assault Ruth. Or, as a godly man, he might throw her out for a seemingly sexual advance.

Hoping against hope, Ruth is trusting that Boaz will look past her former identity and all the warning signs to see something radically different. It would be like a man named Joseph you and I know of who believed his wife Mary had conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. The moment of peril arrives. Boaz awakens: “Who are you?”

Ruth’s faith here resounds like a thunderclap. “I am Ruth, your servant.” She is a Moabitess no longer. Boaz earlier commended her for taking refuge under the wings of God (2:12). Now she tells Boaz to imitate God and spread his wings (or robe) of love and protection over her. Boaz has the God-given right as a redeemer to rescue her.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Ruth 3:6-9

INSIGHT
My friend, like Paul and Timothy, you are a servant of Christ Jesus (see Philippians 1:1). You belong to Him. In your hour of need, take refuge under His wings.

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Numbers 31-32
Psalm 77
John 19

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