By Pastor Segun Doherty
Bible Passage: Ruth 3:1-18
Whom you are connected to determines what you collect. As Christians we ought to desire an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ; that should be our ultimate goal not just getting acquainted with him, to love Him more than we have done before. Christianity isn’t a creed, it’s all about Jesus. As children of God, every one of us most have a rugged determination to desire more of Christ than redemption; because there are people that are saved but still go to hell. I pray that would not be our portion (Amen!), Jesus is coming back for a church without stain, blemish or wrinkle!
Many nowadays are running after gifts but they have forgotten the giver of the gifts, Jesus. Its better you have Jesus, who is real to you than having gifts. Charisma will take you to the top, Character will sustain you; if you have charisma without Christ, you can’t last. Philippians 3:10
To draw an analogy, we picture Ruth as the Church and Boaz as Jesus Christ, our master. We will learn ways by which we can be closer to God.
1. We are to cleanse ourselves from anything filthy, iniquity and sin in order for us to draw near to Him. Ruth 3:3, James 4:8, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Isaiah 52:11
How do you cleanse yourself?
• By the word of God. John 17:17, Psalms 119:9
• By the blood of Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:7
2. Consecrating yourself to the lord. Anoint yourself, the anointing of a priest in the Bible times meant consecration, setting one’s self apart. But our consecration and anointing today is the Holy Spirit. Ruth 3:3, Songs of Solomon 1:14; 4:14.
3. You are fitly dressed. Dress the way you want to be addressed. Many of us still put on the garment of mourning forgetting that we have been bought at a price. We should come before God with a garment of joy and praise. Psalms 100:2, Isaiah 61:10
4. Faithful compliance by obedience. Hearing the word of God isn't enough but obedience to the word shows that you really love Him. John 7:17, 14:21; Luke 6:46
Ruth was received by Boaz, Boaz assured Ruth and He replenished her; I pray the Lord will receive you as you begin to draw closer to Him and He will satisfy your heart desire. Ruth 3:8-10, Ephesians 1:3, Ruth 3:11-13, 1 John 4:18-19, Ruth 3:18, Ephesians 3:18
You have to be fully committed to God. Ruth placing herself at the foot of Boaz was a sign of full commitment. Don't be a Christian of convenience. You can never have an intimate relationship with Jesus unless you are fully committed to him. Because if He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.
Our responsibility is respond to His ability. Your maker wants you to draw closer to Him. If you have Jesus Christ, here on earth you will flourish and in heaven you will have the assurance of eternal life.