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RUTH 2:12

Intro: Ten years earlier, Naomi (God is sweetness) with her husband Elimelech and
       their two sons, because of a famine, went to Moab to live, not long after their
       arrival, Elimelech died, sons married Moabites, but in time they both died also.

I. JEHOVAH RECOMPENSE THY WORK.
        A. God will not be a debtor to man.
                1. Christ told disciples "No man has left houses or family..."
                2. "Give, and it shall be given measured out, pressed down and
                   running over."
        B. Labor for God never in vain 1 Cor. 15.
                1. Great portion of world's frustrations.
                        a. Spend a day cleaning house.
                        b. As you are drying last dish.
                        c. Spend life building fortune only to see it wiped out.
                2. God pays for labor not results.
                        a. Your responsibility to witness of Jesus Christ not win men to
                           Him.

II. A FULL REWARD BE GIVEN TO THEE OF JEHOVAH.
        A. Some desire their reward from man.
                1. "Take heed unto thyself, that you do not your righteousness before
                   men to be seen."
                        a. Giving.
                        b. Praying.
                        c. Fasting.
                2. Tragedy is "They have their reward."
                3. How wonderful to serve the Lord and seek only His reward and pleasure.

III. THE GOD OF ISRAEL, UNDER WHOSE WINGS THOU ART COME TO TRUST.
        A. Ruth was by nationality a Moabite.
                1. Descendants of Lot.
                2. Worshipped Chemosh... infant sacrifice also Baal. that corrupt
                   religion that filled Canaan.
                3. She left traditions of her father to worship God.
        B. The beauty of a life of trust.
                1. No matter what happens you can accept it knowing God's providence
                   is over all.
                        a. Ruth had lost her husband shortly after marriage.
                        b. Journeyed with mother - in - law.
                        c. They were destitute of goods.
                2. "Why art thou cast down O my soul?"
        C. The symbol of wings employed.
                1. Mother hen with her brood.
                        a. When fear element introduced.
                        b. Should sudden storm come.
                2. Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou who stonest the prophets,
                   how often would I have gathered you under my wings as  a hen gathereth
                   her chicks, but ye would not."
                   The wings of Jehovah are outstretched, you may be protected from danger,
                   sheltered from the storm, kept secure and warm by His love if you will.