by Dorcas Kulwa | 16 May 2023 08:46 pm05
What Must I Do to Be Accepted by Jesus?
The Mystery of the Bride and the Bridegroom: Lessons from Boaz and Ruth
All glory to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I invite you to join me in meditating on the profound mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Before we proceed, it is essential to understand that our relationship with Jesus is not merely one of friendship or brotherhood. Scripture reveals something far more intimate and eternal: a marriage covenant. Christ is the Bridegroom, and the Church—His faithful followers—is the Bride (
Revelation 19:7–9).
“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
Salvation is not just about being friends with God—it is about entering into a sacred covenant. Only those who are part of the Bride will be invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
The story of Ruth is more than a tale of loyalty and love. It is a typological foreshadowing of Christ and His Church. Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: go’el), is a picture of Jesus, our Redeemer. Ruth, a Gentile widow, represents the Church—redeemed from spiritual poverty, brought into covenant with God.
Isaiah 54:5
“For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.”
Let us now look at Ruth 3 and explore the five steps Naomi instructed Ruth to take—steps that carry profound spiritual meaning for us today as we prepare to be accepted by Christ.
“Wash therefore and anoint yourself…” (Ruth 3:3a)
Naomi told Ruth to bathe. This signifies the necessity of being spiritually cleansed before approaching our Redeemer. In the New Covenant, this points to repentance and water baptism.
Acts 22:16
“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16, ESV)
Baptism is more than a symbol—it marks our entry into the death and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3–4). It is where we are washed and made ready to approach God.
“…and put on your cloak…” (Ruth 3:3b)
After washing, Ruth was to anoint herself. In biblical symbolism, oil represents the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13; Zechariah 4:1–6). No one can be truly prepared for Christ without the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
1 John2:20
“But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.”
Acts 2 :38
“Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
This divine empowerment is not optional—it is the seal of our adoption (Ephesians 1:13–14).
Ruth was instructed to wear her best clothing—fit for a bride. This signifies the righteousness of the saints and the call to holiness.
Hebrews 12:14
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
In the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:11–14), a guest is thrown out for not wearing proper wedding garments. This represents a life lacking in sanctification. The robe we must wear is not our own righteousness, but Christ’s righteousness imparted to us.
The threshing floor represents a place of work, separation, and transformation—where grain is separated from chaff. Boaz, representing Christ, was laboring there. Ruth had to enter that space discreetly, a sign of quiet, humble service.
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Mathew 6 : 4b,
“And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Like Ruth, we are called to work in Christ’s field—whether that means evangelism, discipleship, prayer, or acts of mercy. And we do this not for reward, but in humble obedience, as Jesus taught:
Luke 17:10
“…when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
The most intimate and symbolic action Ruth took was to lie at Boaz’s feet. This was not an act of seduction—it was an act of humble submission and covenantal request for redemption (see Ezekiel 16:8 for similar imagery).
In the same way, our posture before Christ must be one of deep humility.
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10, ESV)
Lying at His feet means accepting the Lordship of Christ, esteeming His Word, honoring His body (the Church), and being content in the lowly place. That is where He meets us.
Once Ruth followed all five steps, Boaz responded with favor. He promised to redeem her and fulfill all that was required by the law. Likewise, when we are washed, anointed, clothed, laboring, and humbled—Christ reveals Himself as our Redeemer and Bridegroom.
And just as Ruth submitted to Naomi’s counsel, so must we submit to the Word of God—delivered through the apostles and prophets.
Ephesians 2:20
“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20, ESV)
2 Corinthians 11:2
“For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.”
If you are not the Bride, you cannot attend the wedding feast. These are the last days. Jesus could return at any moment.
Mathew 24:44
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Have you prepared yourself? Have you obeyed the Gospel? Time is short. The call is urgent.
This is not the hour for soft preaching. It is the hour to repent, to be purified, to be ready. The Bridegroom is at the door.
May the Lord bless you and prepare you as a spotless bride, ready for the return of the King. Amen.
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