by John O’Malley
“And Boaz answered and said unto her…a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel” (Ruth 2:11-12).
Ruth listened intently as Boaz continued to deliver God’s message to her. Boaz commented on Ruth’s compassion for Naomi. He spoke of her conversion to Jehovah. He referred to her conviction as she chose to separate from Moab.
In our previous reading, Boaz told Ruth that the Lord would recompense her for her work. Surely, Ruth became overwhelmed that God would take notice of her kindness. If that were not enough, she was blessed richly because Boaz said God would recompense her for these labors of love to Naomi. Naomi had been so kind to her. Naomi had taken Ruth in as a daughter. Boaz’s statements of God’s awareness, attention, and awards were more than Ruth could assimilate.
Ruth held her breath as she heard Boaz continue to speak. What Boaz would tell Ruth would exceed all she, a Moabite convert, could ever ask or think. Boaz told her that the Lord God of Israel would give “a full reward” to her. Boaz had filled her heart to overflowing with his words of God’s grace and goodness.
Ruth heard it with her own ears. She was to be rewarded with “a full reward” by God. Ruth was aware that a reward given to someone is restricted to the bounty of the benefactor. When Ruth heard who the Benefactor was, she thrilled within. Ruth reflected on the limitlessness of God’s bounty, which was now promised to her.
“A full reward” for Ruth meant rewards that were “out of this world!” A full reward for Ruth presented blessings beyond compare. Her reward was declared to be full and not partial. Her heart seemingly could not handle anymore.
The ending phrase that Boaz used echoed in the chambers of her heart. It left her with a fearful admiration of God. Boaz stated that “the Lord God of Israel” would be carrying out this promise. The very phrase used just over one hundred times in Scripture sent a clear message to its hearers each time it was used. This one phrase proclaimed the authority, ability, and association of God. It resonated in her heart, and it left her in awe of God’s grace. Her whole life was changed in an instant as she encountered the grace of God.
Our Eternal Boazoffers full rewards to His children today. He has not exhausted His supply of goodness nor grace.Your labors here on this earth are noticed and appreciated by God. He recompenses us in this life for sacrifices made for Him. Rest assured; He will reward us in a day yet to come when we stand before His Bema Seat. May our reward be full!