Autumn slips slowly into its place - casting longer shadows and shortening the days. After the initial unease that I often feel at the change of seasons, contentment settles again. The winding village lanes are flanked by tall St Joseph lilies, past their initial pure and fresh beauty, but still holding fading heads up for a while longer. Nature slows down, the frenzy of summer production and growth drawing back into itself, to prepare for a time of rest. The sun sits lower in the sky, different sounds and scents are carried up to our cabin on the breeze. Part of me wants to forage, gather, store up - like a squirrel frantically stowing away acorns for the winter months. But I am gently reminded that have no need to be a "pack rat" or a hoarder.
I was quite challenged this morning by part of the story of Ruth, which tells of the resting at Boaz' feet. I like resting, no doubt about that. I have no problem with putting my feet up. Most often I feel that I have deserved it in a way and tend to extend these times of rest past what is "necessary". But it was what had to happen before Ruth came to "rest", that presented me with a personal conviction.
Ruth was told by her mother in law to 1) Wash herself, 2) Put on perfume, and 3) dress in her best clothes. At first glance this sounds like the staging of a seduction. Looking closer at each step, I found a deeper meaning - not three simple steps toward being redeemed, but a process toward taking on a new life in Christ.
In Ephesians 5:26 we read that Jesus gave himself up for the bride of Christ, "to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word" It means to examine myself by the word and letting it govern my attitude, motives and desires. In times of testing the word of God is a light on every step I take, giving me hope to persevere.
Just recently I found myself reacting to a situation in a way which could not be described as very graciously. I felt quite justified, but was brought up short when I saw these three words: "govern my attitude". Justifying my reaction by another's (apparent) motives, is a sure downward spiral, but if I let myself be led by the Word of God, my attitude, my choice of how to react becomes what matters, and I am tested by His standards instead.
2) The anointing (or putting on perfume):
Anointing always speaks of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 tells us to be filled (or controlled) by the Holy Spirit - crucial when my natural reaction is to be anything but controlled!
3) The dressing in best clothes
This speaks of a righteous life. In Revelation 19:8 it says: "It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen - for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints". A righteous life is only possible when I am - washed with water through the Word and anointed by the Holy Spirit... Not that my righteousness depends on what I do, this Christ has attained for me and finished on the cross. But in gratitude for that gift, I want to live in a way that is pleasing to my Redeemer.
Now I am ready to lay down at His feet. Washed. Anointed. Clothed with Jesus' righteousness.
Is it uncomfortable at Jesus feet? Is it a cold hard place, like the threshing floor that Ruth came to? Am I fraught with doubt and worry of how He will react? How long He will take to react. How He will decide over my future...
It could be all of those or I could choose to rest. To wait. To be tested, refined. Which redefines the rest we find at Jesus feet.
It is not a place of passive waiting, giving up to "what will be, will be". It is a safe place of peace and surrender in trust. Knowing that whatever the Redeemer's decision over my life will be, it will be good. But letting the waiting and resting be a time when my faith can grow into something sustaining and strong. When I can be refreshed and renewed in his loving presence.
It is a place where I can become intimately familiar with who the Saviour is. What His will for me is. Where I am found in Him.
"The more I seek you, the more I find you
The more I find you, the more I love you
I want to sit at your feet,
Drink from the cup in your hand,
Lay back against you and breathe
Hear your heart beat
This love is so deep
It is more than I can stand
I melt in your peace
It's overwhelming..." (Kari Jobe)
BEAUTIFUL AS ALWAYS
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