The
Forest Experience
Ruth
3:9
"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." (NIV)
The story of Ruth and Boaz is an innocent and precious love dance of the Old Testament times. It has a glorious ending, but a winding, confusing road to its destination. Life does not always dole out a predictable pathway. Our steps may sometimes leave the “yellow brick road” that clearly marks the way and suddenly drop us in a dense, dark unknown forest.
We must see that scripture indicates that “forest experiences” are not abandonment periods in our life. Jesus is with us always (Matthew 28:20). But, they are portals that bring closure to the past and make us ready to accept a future that we had not anticipated. We can never be prepared for the radical changes that spin us on our heels and propel us to God’s destiny.
Ruth’s past life was over when she left Moab to follow Naomi. Everything she knew was washed away. Now, in a new country, with a new family, and a new God she is reduced to gleaning the fields for a living. That is, until a new love enters her life, Boaz. He is rich and has the ability to save her from her plight. The question is whether he loves her enough to spread the corner of his protection mantle over her as she lay at his feet, which was a custom of the day. He does, she’s covered and they are married – happy ever after.
There is a spiritual mantle of God that awaits those who will rest at His feet. God is anxiously awaiting all who will seek Him out with all of their heart, trusting wholly in Him. His mantle of care is ready to cover you. Is God the love of your life? He loves you, will cover you, for you are the Bride of Christ. Happy forever after.