Examination Day
Examination day. It’s the day you go to the doctor for your yearly exam to make sure everything is well with you. They will even collect blood samples to see what is happening on the inside. You know, those things you can’t see. How do you prepare for the doctor appointment? You’re intentional about getting ready, right?
Did you know it’s important to be examined by Jesus daily? Not in the sense of judgement. Oh no, He comes to rid us of those shadows that want to hang around. The ones we choose not to see. He loves us so furiously that He will not allow anything not of Him to remain, but we have a part to play. We must prepare ourselves for the exam.
Let’s look at how Naomi teaches Ruth to be intentional in her approach to Boaz. Then pay attention to Ruth’s response to Naomi.
“One day, Naomi said to Ruth: “I want to see you marry so that you’ll be happy and secure. Now listen, a man named Boaz is our relative. You worked with his servant girls in his fields. This evening, he’ll be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Now, take a bath and put on some nice perfume. Dress in your best clothes and go to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you’re there until he’s had plenty to eat and drink. Watch closely to see where he lies down. Then go, uncover his feet, and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.” Ruth answered, “I’ll do everything you’ve told me.” Ruth 3
How we show up to engage with Jesus matters. When we gather with family on Sunday or Tuesday are you coming into the room with anticipation to encounter Jesus? Is the posture of your heart tender and ready to worship and honor Him? How do you approach Him daily? These questions are part of the exam. We must allow hard questions so we can know what is hiding inside that does not belong.
Naomi tells Ruth to wash herself, put on perfume, and her best dress. Ephesians 5:26 tells us we are washed by the water of His word. This is His spoken word and written word. We are to be intentional in drinking in His written word and listening for His voice as He speaks to us. His voice comes in many forms and through different people. Oftentimes in an offensive way. We must be listening.
Put on perfume: for us today this represents worship, love, prayer and soaking in the fragrance of His presence.
Her best dress: You wear a garment of praise. You are His beloved, an Oak of Righteousness. It matters what you think about yourself. Pastor Tim says all the time, “you can only do what you think you are.” If we do not allow Him to examine our thoughts, we are not showing up for Him or to Him in the proper manner.
We are to show up to Jesus in a posture of humility uncover His feet and lie down. This is complete surrender of all areas of our lives. Remember our declaration: My heart is yours. My life is yours. Only in full surrender and humility can we hear His voice tell us what to do next.
Ruth’s response to Naomi was I will do everything you told me. Ask yourself this question. Am I applying everything I am being taught? If so, get ready for radical transformation. Get ready for doors to be open no man can shut. Get ready for the windows of heaven to open up over your life. Blessings come when we hear and obey.
Will you prepare to be examined today by Jesus? There is abundant grace with the hard questions and answers that come. Do not forfeit your freedom and healing because it’s hard to talk about.
