Finding Intimacy with God
Experiencing God’s closeness is the most beautiful reality a person can know. The apostle Paul described it as “joy inexpressible and full of glory.” In my own life, Jesus has been my source of sweetness, a comforting presence, and my greatest encourager. Even with all my flaws and failures, no one has stood by me like He has.
Many of us, especially those who identify as pedophiles, often feel isolated, as if our lives are devoid of love and intimacy. But I’m here to tell you that God deeply desires intimacy with you. It might sound surprising, but a genuine, intimate relationship with God is possible, and it changes everything.
To illustrate this, let me share a story from the Bible about a woman named Ruth. She was alone and destitute until she encountered a man who could offer her protection and provision – if only he would choose her. This is a true story about real people, and God was actively involved in their lives. He included this story in the Bible because it exemplifies what Jesus does for each of us. It’s a story about intimacy.
The Story of Ruth and Boaz: A Picture of Redemption
Ruth was from Moab, a land often at odds with Israel. However, an Israelite family came to live among them, and Ruth married one of their sons. Tragically, life took an unexpected turn. One by one, the men in the family died, leaving Ruth alone with her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Naomi decided to return to Israel, urging Ruth to stay in Moab and remarry. But Ruth refused to be separated. Naomi reasoned with her, explaining that she would be an outcast in Israel and likely remain a widow. Yet, Ruth tearfully responded, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
Together, Naomi and Ruth journeyed to Bethlehem in Israel. Both women were vulnerable and in need. Ruth decided to glean in the fields, a common practice for the poor to survive by collecting leftover grain after the harvest.
As it happened, on her first day, Ruth found herself in a field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy and respected man, likely a skilled warrior. As Boaz surveyed his field and workers, his gaze fell upon the unfamiliar young woman. He inquired about her and learned she was Ruth from Moab.
Boaz had already heard of Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi. He approached her, saying, “Stay here in my field, close to the young women working. I’ve instructed the men not to bother you. If you’re thirsty, drink from the water jars. I’ve heard of your faithfulness to Naomi. May the God of Israel, under whose wings you’ve sought refuge, reward you fully.” Boaz even instructed his workers to leave extra grain for Ruth and later invited her to share their meal.
That evening, Ruth returned home and recounted the day’s events to Naomi. Naomi was overjoyed and explained that Boaz was a close relative, a potential “Redeemer.”
In ancient Israel, a “Redeemer” was a close relative who took responsibility for a deceased man’s family. If the deceased had lost his property, the Redeemer would buy it back. If the deceased had a wife, the Redeemer would marry her to raise a son, ensuring the continuation of the deceased man’s lineage. Boaz was a relative of Ruth’s father-in-law and could be her Redeemer if he chose.
Ruth continued gleaning in Boaz’s field throughout the barley and wheat harvests, allowing them to become better acquainted. However, the question of redemption remained unanswered. Technically, Ruth had to initiate the process. It was her right to claim redemption and ask Boaz to be her Redeemer, but he could refuse.
The stakes were high for both. Ruth was destitute, hoping Boaz would marry her. For Boaz, becoming her Redeemer meant a significant financial burden, as he would have to buy back her family’s lost property. Ruth wondered if he could love a poor, foreign widow enough to pay such a price.
Boaz, too, had much to consider. He had fallen in love with Ruth, but she could choose to marry another man. She was attractive, and others might try to win her affection. Boaz had much to offer, but he was no longer a young man. The decision rested with Ruth; she had to choose him. Boaz hoped she would.
Seeing the need for action, Naomi intervened and instructed Ruth on what to do. Ruth bathed, put on her best clothes and perfume, and waited. That night, after the harvest, Boaz and his workers slept near the grain. Ruth quietly approached, uncovered Boaz’s feet, and lay down. While not improper, this act would create an intimate moment. Eventually, Boaz awoke, feeling the cold, and saw a woman lying at his feet. “Who are you?” he asked. “I am Ruth,” she replied. “Take me under your wing and be my Redeemer.”
“Yes!” Boaz exclaimed. “May God bless you for the kindness you’ve shown me by not pursuing a younger man, whether rich or poor. I will do as you ask. There can be no objection, for everyone knows you are a virtuous woman.” Boaz then explained a hurdle: another man was a closer relative to Naomi and had the right to be Ruth’s Redeemer first. They would have to wait and see what this man decided. Boaz sent Ruth home with a gift of grain for Naomi.
The next morning, Boaz waited at the city gate for the closer relative. When he saw him, he called out, “Come, friend, and sit down. I’d like to speak with you.” Boaz also gathered ten city elders as witnesses. He said to the man, “Naomi is selling a piece of land that belonged to her late husband. You are the next of kin, so do you want to buy it?”
“Yes, I’ll take it,” the man answered.
“Fine, but if you buy the land, you must also redeem Ruth,” Boaz countered. “She is the widow of the deceased son.”
The man hesitated, realizing the land would eventually pass to Ruth’s children, not his own. “If that’s the case, I can’t take the land,” he replied. “It would jeopardize my own family’s inheritance. You take my right of redemption.”
Then, before the elders and the people, Boaz declared, “Today, you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property that belonged to her late husband and sons. Also, I take Ruth the widow as my wife, so that the name of the deceased will continue.”
The people responded, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel.”
Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed. Naomi, no longer bereaved, cared for her grandson. Obed grew up and became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David, whom God made king of Israel.
(You can read the full story in the Book of Ruth in the Bible.)
Your Story and Jesus, Our Redeemer
In many ways, we are like Ruth – alone, in need, and yearning for someone to care for us. Perhaps you feel as though you’ve lost everything good in life. That was Ruth’s reality. The men in her family were gone, and the family property was lost. Interestingly, the names of her deceased sons, Chilion and Mahlon, mean “sickly” and “wasting away/coming to an end.” That resonates with me; I’ve felt my life was sickly, wasting away, and nearing its end.
But here’s the crucial point – what Boaz did for Ruth exemplifies what Jesus does for us. That’s why God included this story in the Bible. Jesus loves you and desires to draw you close. He accepts us with all our baggage – our mistakes, our struggles, our hang-ups – and He redeems it all! Suddenly, we have hope and a new future.
The price Jesus paid was His own life, given on the cross. He was God in human form, and He sacrificed everything to redeem us. The Bible describes us as His beloved.
When you ask Jesus to be your Savior, your Redeemer, it’s a deeply special and intimate moment. You’re not merely following a king or obeying a creator (though He is both King and Creator). Jesus genuinely takes you as His own, drawing you into a close, personal relationship.
The relationship between God and His people is often compared to that of a loving husband and wife. This isn’t about a physical relationship, but rather a reflection of the profound intimacy God desires with each of us. It is a relationship based on love, trust, and mutual devotion.
God wants you near Him, always. You can approach Him just as you are, with all your imperfections. He won’t reject you. Instead, He will transform your life into a beautiful story, and He will remain faithful to you throughout this life and the next.
Knowing God intimately, with Jesus as your Redeemer, isn’t just a nice story. It’s about real life – waking up each morning and facing the day. It’s about a relationship with Him, walking side by side, experiencing life together. Everyday life remains everyday life, but with Him, each day is a new beginning.
God’s ultimate purpose in creation transcends the wonders of the world, and His hand in human history holds greater meaning than any human philosophy. Countless believers have given their all to Him in love, through life or death, just as He gave everything for them. His love for you and me mirrors the greatest love stories, filled with sacrifice, yearning, and tender closeness.
God is a person, and He connects with people through genuine relationships. It’s not about a set of rules; it requires openness and honesty between you and Him. But this also means He will treat you as an individual. He knows your unique qualities and sees the good He placed within you. God is also aware of your mistakes and struggles, but He is gentle and kind.
God has His own personality and characteristics. You can get to know Him, and I believe you’ll discover He’s truly wonderful.
But, like Ruth in the story, you must take the first step. God is ready to say “Yes,” but He’s waiting for you.
If you would like to know Jesus yourself and learn more about having an intimate relationship with God, please read the Article titled “Yes” to Jesus.