Study 6 – The Lord rewards and is faithful

Read Ruth 2.8-23

Vv4,12,15               Boaz shows himself to be a godly man; one who follows the law of God (as an example he allowed gleaning). Review the nature of this man, who was a very considerate boss.

·       He found out about Ruth (v5)

·       He gave clear and kindly instructions (vv8,9)

·       He appreciated and respected a good person (vv11,12)

·       He was generous (vv14-16)

Consider: such attitudes are not to be limited to bosses (but how many bosses need to follow this example!). These attitudes should be our natural way. Or, should we say, supernatural way because they are caused by and stimulated by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Notice that this quality of lifestyle starts with respect for God and his word. When there is proper respect for God then a proper respect for fellow man automatically follows.

V12          Were these words just a pious cliché or can we expect God to reward? See how Boaz’ words chime in with Hebrews 6.10. God takes notice of what we do and is delighted when we do that which is noble and right, and according to his word. See also Hebrews 11.6.

Consider: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Col 3.23,24.
Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 2 John 8.

Let us not be ashamed of Christian rewards! God will honour those who honour him.  He has promised to reward his faithful servants. However, rewards are not the recompense for work but free gifts of grace. Indeed, where there are no good works there is no saving faith, and where there is no saving faith in the Lord Jesus there are no rewards only a fearful expectation of judgment.

Here are some activities which may be rewarded.

·       Winning souls for Christ (Daniel 12.3)

·       Being a humble servant (Matthew 10.42)

·       Being a faithful steward (Matthew 25.23)

·       Being benevolent (Luke 6.35)

·       Doing good (Romans 2.10; Ephesians 6.8)

V20a       This follows on from the Lord being a rewarder: he is faithful. Whose kindness is this? Is it the Lord’s or that of Boaz? The New King James Version has “His kindness” which clearly refers to the Lord. New International Version refers to Boaz’ kindness and the English Standard Version suggests the same.

It could be either, but very probably, in view of other pieces of conversation in the story and from the whole tenor of the book, it refers to the Lord’s kindness. If it is Boaz’ kindness he is but the conduit for the Lord’s hesed, loving-kindness anyway.  Someone commented  how the ambiguity is probably intentional – Naomi seeing both the Lord and Boaz “acting in concert”.

Consider: in all the length of your days, in all the ups and downs, you can rest assured that if you are trusting in Jesus Christ for your salvation – and in him alone – then you will find that he is faithful to his covenant love (hesed).

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1.9.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Cointhians 10.13.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13.5.

Consider: how much am I a conduit for the Lord’s kindness? How do I respond to the Lord’s faithfulness to me?

Pray: Lord Jesus, as I live my life for you I do not look for rewards because having you with me as my Saviour, Master, and Friend is all I need. Thank you that you remain faithful even when I let you down. Amen.

Michael S. Bostock, October 2020.