The Only One Who Can

“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.” (Ru 2:12 AV)

Boaz said this to Ruth as one who intended to make a full reward.  This wasn’t a cursory remark acknowledging Ruth’s sacrifice and faithfulness.  It was a vow by Boaz to guarantee that Ruth’s choice did not go unrewarded.  Boaz states that the entire village knew what Ruth had done and how she was taking care of Naomi.  The reputation of Ruth was not hidden.  Everyone knew it.  No one but Boaz was in a position to reward her dedication.  There was a nearer kinsman than Boaz, but he could not redeem Ruth lest he mar his own inheritance.  Some suggest this nearer kinsman was married already, yet with no children.  That would make all the children born of Ruth of higher rank than any his previous wife would bear.  So, Boaz was the only one.  The book of Ruth is full of alliterations.  The book of Ruth is a picture of the redemption of the sinner by the hand of a Savior.  Boaz, therefore, represents the Son who redeemed the sinner from a destitute life of sin.  Jesus, who is the only one who could redeem us, is also to only one who can adequately recompense us for the life of service we render towards Him.  Our life of sacrifice and service does not escape the notice of God and others.

Ruth is a remarkable person.  She was offered a way out and she didn’t take it.  There were no guarantees.  Naomi could not promise her a thing.  Ruth’s love for her mother-in-law and her faith in Jehovah is what motivated her.  From Ruth’s perspective, she could safely assume she was going back to care for Naomi and that would be the extent of her life.  It would be no more.  She did not know of Boaz.  She was unaware of any other relatives Naomi may have had.  She was returning out of the integrity of her heart without and anticipation of recompense or reward.  This is what everyone noticed.  They noticed the heart of Ruth that produced her actions.  Even Boaz testifies that the entire village acknowledged Ruth as a virtuous woman.  This is what God blessed her.  It wasn’t merely what she had done, but why she had done it, that was praiseworthy.  Doing the right thing with the right heart is what Boaz saw.

The LORD is no different.  He knows what we do and why we do it.  He will not allow our dedication to go unrewarded.  One other thing.  Note the faith of Ruth and where it was placed.  She came to Israel because she trusted the LORD.  In spite of a father-in-law who did not.  Despite a husband whose faith wasn’t particularly exemplary, Ruth had faith.  Maybe it was Naomi who was her example.  Perhaps it was Naomi whose faith Ruth followed.  No matter.  Ruth trusted the LORD in difficult times because her integrity would not allow her to do anything different.  This is why the LORD, through Boaz, blessed the faithful.  And the LORD will do the same for all His children.  We cannot be presumptuous in thinking all our reward comes in this life.  I hope it does not.  Rather, I’d prefer it in eternity where joy can be had forever.  God does see.  God does reward.  All we need to do is trust Him and serve Him with integrity of heart.