An Advocate in the Gate

By Michelle Anderson

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings” (Romans 8:26).

We Have All Been There
You have been there. I have been there. We have all been there, in that situation where all hope seems lost. In that situation where we do not know how to adequately express our hearts to even the ones who love us most. Can you express yourself to God in those moments? Not even possible! Yet, we are reminded that in those hard moments, there is an advocate in the gate, someone who understands our heart and willingly intercedes for us in that moment. Now, just that thought makes me want to do backflips while dancing in the streets.

Found in Ruth 4
Ruth’s kindness and love for her mother-in-law Naomi was well known and Naomi desired to find her a proper home. Boaz shows kindness to Ruth in the field and Naomi sees him as the ideal match for Ruth since he was a close relative. Boaz goes to the city gate and invites the relative who is closer to Naomi’s deceased husband along with ten leaders. This account can be found in Ruth 4. He asks the man to acquire the property which he would do willingly but has a change of heart when he learns that Ruth is part of this acquisition. Boaz accepts the sandals of this male relative in the presence of the elders and all the people as was the custom of that time when business was conducted and the people pronounced a blessing,

“All the people who were at the gate and the elders replied, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is entering your home like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built up the house of Israel! May you prosper in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem. May your family become like the family of Perez—whom Tamar bore to Judah—through the descendants the Lord gives you by this young woman.” Ruth 4:11-12

Our Advocate
Daughters of God, if you can relate to that feeling of hopelessness of uncertainty please remember, you have an advocate in the gate. This advocate has an audience with the King of all kings because He is the King of kings, and he has only good intentions for you even when you encounter seasons of pain. He is working on your behalf to have an excellent outcome and he has the backing of the host of heavenly angels who, like the crowd of witnesses, is declaring great things in your life. I can hear that declaration to all who are digesting this piece at the time of publication and even to those who will happen upon it years later or even unintentionally, “May you build every house that you will enter in – both the physical and the structural design; May you prosper in the gifts given to you by Almighty God and may you become famous as you use them for His story. May you always remember that you have a family with God and the love in that family is unconditional and will usher you into purpose.

May you always have an advocate in the gate and as God reveals them to you may you open your mouth in thanksgiving and praise.”