In His Image: Daily Reflection

There are few direct references to the word “intimacy” in the Bible, but its importance is evident through many stories and teachings. The call for intimacy with God and others is spread throughout the Bible.
Woman & Woman/Man & Woman (Ruth)
Ruth 1:16-17: "But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me’".
In these verses, Ruth expresses her deep commitment and loyalty to Naomi, her mother-in-law. This level of dedication and willingness to adopt Naomi’s people and God as her own demonstrates a profound intimacy. Ruth’s declaration is not just about staying with Naomi but also about embracing her faith and culture, which reflects a deep, personal connection
Ruth 3:7: "When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down".
This verse describes Ruth’s actions towards Boaz, which are culturally significant and intimate. By uncovering his feet and lying down, Ruth is symbolically showing her vulnerability and trust in Boaz. This act is a request for protection and a deeper relationship, which Boaz later honors by taking her as his wife.
Intimacy with God
These examples of human intimacy can be seen as reflections of our relationship with God. Just as Ruth committed herself to Naomi and sought a deeper relationship with Boaz, we are called to commit ourselves to God and seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. This involves trust, vulnerability, and a willingness to embrace His ways and guidance in our lives.
The story of Ruth illustrates how human relationships can mirror our relationship with God, highlighting the importance of commitment, trust, and intimacy in both contexts.
Esther
The story of Esther provides a powerful example of how intimacy and favor in human relationships can reflect our relationship with God. Here’s how:
Esther 5:3: "Then the king asked, ‘What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you’".
Esther was able to save a nation because of her intimate relationship with the king. In this verse, King Xerxes offers Queen Esther anything she desires, even up to half the kingdom. This offer signifies the deep trust and favor Esther had with the king, which she cultivated through her wisdom, courage, and intimate relationship with him.
Intimacy with God
Esther’s relationship with the king can be seen as a metaphor for our relationship with God. Just as Esther approached the king with her requests, we are invited to approach God with our prayers and petitions. The favor Esther found with the king mirrors the favor we can find with God when we cultivate a close, intimate relationship with Him.
Trust and Favor: Just as Esther trusted the king and found favor in his eyes, we are called to trust God and seek His favor. This involves spending time in prayer, reading His Word, and living according to His will.
Courage and Boldness: Esther’s courage to approach the king, even at the risk of her own life, reflects the boldness we can have in approaching God with our needs and desires, knowing that He cares for us deeply.
Purpose and Calling: Esther’s intimate relationship with the king enabled her to fulfill her purpose of saving her people. Similarly, our intimacy with God helps us understand and fulfill our divine purpose.
Esther’s story illustrates how a deep, intimate relationship can lead to favor and the fulfillment of a higher purpose, both in human relationships and in our relationship with God.
Thank you for Watching. Let us pray together…
Prayer for Intimacy with God
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come before you with grateful hearts. We praise you for all that you are doing in our lives.
Sometimes, we find ourselves stuck in a rut, repeating the same patterns in our relationship with you. We ask for the boldness to step outside our comfort zones, to clean up areas of our lives that hinder our intimacy with you.
We long for the kind of deep, intimate relationship that we read about in Ruth and Esther. Ruth was willing to leave everything behind to become part of the Jewish people and embrace their God. Lord, we pray that we too will have the courage to embrace the changes you call us to make. We pray for the wisdom to recognize the areas where we need to step out in faith, knowing that you are with us every step of the way.
We give you thanks for this time, in Jesus' name. Amen.