The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!
Ruth 2:12
Boaz had heard about Ruth’s loving commitment to her mother-in-law. He is deeply impressed, and he wants her kindness to be rewarded. Boaz extends himself in showing kindness to Ruth, and his prayer is that God will do the same.
God often deals with us in a way that reflects how we have dealt with others. David observed this and he said to God, “With the merciful you show yourself merciful… and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous” (Ps. 18:25, 26).
Ruth has been unusually kind to Naomi, and now God blesses Ruth through the unusual kindness of Boaz. Some rewards God gives now, other rewards He keeps for later. If you have not received in a way that reflects what you have given, don’t worry. Jesus said that even a cup of cold water given in His name will be rewarded.
Why should God bless Ruth and reward her? Notice what Boaz says: “under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” (2:12). The picture is of a hen with her chicks. When danger comes, the chicks run toward her, and her wings come down, hiding the chicks.
Here is a beautiful picture of what it means to be a believer. You run to God for refuge: You look to Him for help, and He covers you with His wings. If you will take refuge under the wings of God, you too will be blessed.
Consider the principle that God often deals with us in a way that reflects how we have dealt with others. How have you seen this truth at work?
