Ruth 3:11 ” And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest; for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.” (KJV)

On the surface this verse is about the Jewish law of redemption in caring for young widows and the acknowledgement by Boaz of Ruth’s faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi who had “lost” her husband and both sons leaving her destitute and alone in a foreign land. It is important because Ruth becomes the great grandmother of King David. It is out of the house of David the Savior would come.

(Naomi’s Story)

But, dear soul sisters look deeper into God’s heart and listen closer to His word to you—this is a prophecy on becoming the BRIDE OF CHRIST, of our kinsman redeemer’s work. This is your redemption from poverty. This daughter (the church) is a virtuous (see Proverbs 31) and virgin bride (2 Corinthians 11:2) and the whole city knows it! How do they “know it?” They have witnessed her faithfulness in the way she lived her life. The city is the new Jerusalem come down from Heaven and the fear not is a reminder her bridegroom will “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5) and provide all her needs: pays all her debts, restoring life to one whose life was bleak indeed.

This is NO fairy tale, no Harlequin romance. This is God’s Word which “cannot lie” (Numbers 23:19), “does not return void” (Isaiah 55:11), and has been proclaiming hope from the beginning (Isaiah 61:1).

As an adopted daughter of God, this is YOUR story. You have been redeemed from poverty of sin and death. You are now HIS (Christ’s) bride, waiting for Him to complete your new home and then He will return to bring you into the mansion He has prepared for YOU (John 14:3). Fret not; your Prince will come, and the city will celebrate the marriage feast (Revelation 16:6-9).

Does this make you sigh and dream like a school-girl with excited anticipation or are you fearful? Scripture tells us to fear not because the Lord will provide everything we need. We need not fear being found wanting.

Do I understand all the implications of this prophecy? No, it is deep and I am only just beginning to scratch the surface. I will keep digging and learning and in the learning I must be willing to say I didn’t quite “get it” at first. If you have grasped something I am missing, share it! This is how we learn together.

(Wedding Day by Casting Crowns)

Yvonne