Reward for LongsufferingSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: We need to get longsuffering from the Lord Jesus. Till our last breath, we need to be extremely patient. That is what Christ expects in every Christian. The Lord will reward you with unexpected blessings. We need to get longsuffering from the Lord Jesus. Till our last breath, we need to be extremely patient. That is what Christ expects in every Christian.
Observe the life of Ruth. She was not an Israelite, but a Moabitess. She did not know about the living God of Israel. She said to her mother-in-law that she would accompany her. Naomi said, "Do not come with me. I have lost everything. My heart is filled with bitterness. If you go with me you may not receive any good thing in life." But Ruth was firm in her decision of going with her and she said, "God, the Father is with you. That is enough. Through Him, I shall receive all goodness. The Lord will surely bless me." With that firm belief, she followed her mother-in-law, patiently hearing her words.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." (Psalm 32:8)
According to this promise, the Lord counselled her through her mother-in-law. Her obedience brought her countless blessings in life. She was humble and patient till she received each of those blessings.
Both of them went out as widows. The Lord gave them longsuffering in their hearts. Because Boaz saw that Ruth had that longsuffering, he said, "The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge" (Ruth 2:12). Ruth received a full reward. When you read Matthew 1:1-14, you can see Ruth being mentioned there. Jesus Christ was born in her genealogy. What a great blessing and honour! A widow got a new life and was blessed with a child. Through that child the mother-in-law also was blessed.
A girl who was pampered a lot at home got married to a man of her parents' choice. The husband was pious and loving; but he feared his parents more. His parents would abstain her from going to her parents' house and even restricted him from having a chat with her. She was troubled in her heart sometimes and had none to share her heart's state. She held on to the Lord and poured her grief to the Lord when she was confronted with each and every problem. We have a Lord who hears our prayers. He saw her agony. "He knows those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7). He miraculously promoted her husband in his job and transferred him to a different place. She accompanied him to the new place. The Lord wiped away her tears. The Lord rewarded her for her longsuffering. Years rolled by. She took care of her parents-in-law with love and affection and with longsuffering in their old age. From their deathbed, they blessed her saying, "You shall be blessed among women." Her longsuffering could earn a place in their hard hearts.
My dear friend, problems may arise in the family. If you hold fast to the Lord with patience, the Lord will fill your life with unexpected blessings.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
You are my Creator. You are my Provider. Father, grant me the gift of patience in my character. Help me to care for all my dear ones. Give me a heart filled with love and compassion for everyone. Make me an example for others to follow. Help me to be like Ruth, listening to my elders and respecting them. Help me to hold on to You with faith and longsuffering. In Jesus' name, I pray.
Amen. |