When you are young and begin to notice the opposite sex, there are 5 things you can do to get someone’s attention. The first three are obvious: shave and shower, put on cologne and deodorant, get dressed to impress others. However, the final two require dedication and sacrifice. Fully commit and submit to one person; then have the will to be faithfully compliant for the rest of your life.
Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking, Ruth 3;3.
Naomi’s mother in law provides similar advice after Naomi was done grieving the death of her husband. Since Boaz is in line to be a kinsman redeemer, he becomes the obvious choice. Yet, Naomi needed to take a bath, find her best perfume and replace her grieving clothes with a new attractive outfit. The remaining two words of advice require action and an understanding of Jewish tradition. Uncovering the feet of someone and lying at their feet is symbolic of full submission to an individual. The last piece of advice in the verse below refers to fully committing, doing what is next.
When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do,” Ruth 3:4.
This 5 step process also applies to fasting. The first step involves being freshly cleansed to get God’s attention, Isaiah 1:16. When completed anoint yourself with the sweet fragrance of the word of God like the imagery within Ephesians 5:26. Third, people need to replace a spirit of complaining by putting on the garment of praise, Isaiah 61:10. Next, its vital to become fully committed and submissive by setting your heart and mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-3. Finally, as you get to know God through fasting, faithfully commit to following God’s will, remembering the words of Jesus, “not my will, but yours be done,” Luke 22:42.
by Jay Mankus (inspired by a Jentezen Franklin sermon)
ExpressYourself4Him 