At church our pastor is wrapping up a sermon series on Ruth.
Today we hit on Ruth 3 where she is sent by Naomi to wash, perfume & gussy up; then go sleep at Boaz's feet on the threshing floor. Our pastor brought to light a few points on this story:
-Threshing takes time (a few days), owners & workers often slept by the crop to prevent thieves.
-prostitutes were known to make rounds at the threshing floor.
So here we have someone (Ruth) in a situation where prostitutes were common, placing herself at the feet of a potential kinsmen-redeemer (one was closer who later declines from Chapter 4).
My mind drew to the parallel of a prostitute at the feet of Jesus (Luke 7:36-50). A real prostitute at the feet of the Redeemer. Washing his feet with her tears, drying them with her hair; anointing them with perfume.
I guess the parallel just highlights one thing - go to the feet of the redeemer. It's a sole saving exercise.
Har har. That story about Mary is one of my favorites in all the Bible. While we sit around thinking about the good we'll do for Jesus when we get around to it, or when we're secure, or when (insert any excuse), here's Mary putting us all to shame. She brought him what equates to all she owned and gave it to him. She just loved him, and that was that, all while everyone else told Jesus that she wasn't worshiping or loving him in the right way (ie their way). It makes me sad when people read that story and think nothing put, "here she is, preparing him for death" by covering him with nard. She wasn't pouring death on him, but love.
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