RUTH'S REWARD

"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." - Ruth 2:12

The book of Ruth is a small, but important book of the Bible.  The book unfolds with great sorrow.  A famine leads a whole family to relocate in the land of Moab.  If that isn't bad enough, tragedy struck.  Elimelech and his two sons died, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Ruth & Orpah, as widows.

Naomi addressed her daughters-in-law and advised them to return to their homeland.  Since they were young, Naomi believed that, if they returned home, Ruth & Orpah would have little trouble finding a husband and begin a family of their own.  Orpah heeded the advice, but Ruth refused to leave Naomi. 

There are several things we learn about Ruth.  First, Ruth had loyalty.  Ruth refused to leave Naomi alone.  Being a widow in Old Testament days was a challenging situation.  Government assistance wasn't available.  Social Security wasn't an option.  Naomi would need help.  Ruth refused to leave her.

Secondly, Ruth had humility.  Ruth was willing to work and provide for Naomi and herself.  A distant relative, Boaz, was wealthy & had a vast field.  The Old Testament law required that the fringe part of the field be left for the poor and disadvantaged people.  Ruth took it on herself to reap from this fringe part of the field.  She did not consider herself to be too big or important to come as a poor person and work in this area of the field.

Finally, Ruth had dignity.  Throughout the book of Ruth, Ruth is portrayed as a woman of honor.  She did not stoop to the level of compromise to make ends meet.  She remained faithful to her vow before Naomi and God (Ruth 1:16-17).  Later, when her relationship with Boaz became serious, Ruth maintained her purity and integrity. 

When Boaz heard of Ruth's plight and saw her working hard to provide for Naomi and herself, Boaz commended her highly.  Boaz said to Ruth, "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."

The words of Boaz seemed prophetic in nature.  Indeed, the Lord was about to do a mighty work in and through the life of this humble lady, Ruth. 

Look at Boaz's statement again:  "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."

Notice that Boaz believed that Ruth's work would be rewarded:  "The LORD recompense thy work."  Several things are true about Ruth's reward.  First, God saw her deeds.  God knew about her love, loyalty and hard work.  God knows about our works.  He recognizes even the smallest of deeds. 

Next, Ruth's reward would be a full reward:  "... and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel."  It is one thing to receive a reward, but it is far better to receive a full reward.  A full reward is reserved for those who are most faithful.

Finally, Ruth's reward would come from the One she trusted in:  "... a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."  Our Lord rewards faithfulness.  Faithfulness is a product of our trust in the Lord.  Genuine faith leads to faithfulness and not the other way around. 

Boaz was right.  Ruth would be rewarded.  She would later become his wife.  Her story would be enshrined in the canon of Scripture as a testimony of her faithfulness.  Furthermore, from her marriage to Boaz a wonderful lineage was produced, including King David --- and ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Ruth was a godly woman with a rich heritage.  She is one of only two women to have a book of the Bible named after her.  Her life and memory should motivate believers to remain faithful with the expectation of a future reward.

Young women today model themselves after singers and actresses.  How refreshing it would be to have young ladies pattern their lives after Ruth.

Ruth was rewarded.  Will you be?