"Which God Has Promised"

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV)

In this verse from James, we are reminded that God's providence and steadfast love are always present for those who remain faithful. Trusting in our Lord in times of distress can bring reassurance and peace, especially for those new in faith who may doubt God's ongoing participation in our lives.

One of the best examples of what James speaks of is found in the Book of Ruth. This high-level view of the Book of Ruth reveals that all the men in the lives of Ruth, a Moabite, and her mother-in-law Naomi, a Jew, had died. In Jerusalem, a famine and instability forced the two to move to Bethlehem, where Naomi had family. Naomi was of the clan of Elimilech. Ruth was not bound to Naomi and could have restarted her life on her own, and may have had an easier time on that path. Despite this, Ruth decided to stay with Naomi. This love, or as Hesed (KJV), a Hebrew word defined as loving kindness, mercy, steadfast love, loyalty, or faithfulness. 1

Ruth's love for Naomi became known in Bethlehem. While gleaning grain in a field, she came to know Boaz, the owner of the field. This was the providence of God because Boaz was Naomi's relative.  He, too, was a member of the clan of Elimilech and by custom could redeem Ruth. Boaz, through his hesed, became the redeemer of Ruth and Naomi. In doing so, Boaz married Ruth. This reflects the gospel in that while neither Ruth nor Naomi was able to redeem themselves, there was hope. In his hesed, God sent Boaz by providence to redeem the faithful women. Just as He sent Christ as our redeemer. Not only did Boaz redeem them, but provided a foretelling of the inclusion of Gentiles in the gospel. Ruth was a Moabite, an outsider, a Gentile, and yet God included her in the lineage of Christ.

This is important because it shows God’s intent towards the Gentiles through His providence in Boaz, who married the Gentile woman Ruth, and in their having a son, Obed, continued the line of King David, leaving the lineage of Christ intact. We are reminded of this in verses 18-22 of the Book of Ruth:

"Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram,  Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon,  Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered  David."

Many have never read the Book of Ruth, but it contains the revelation of God’s providence and hesed for His people. It reveals the steadfast nature of God. It reveals the imagery of the gospel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in salvation through faith in Christ alone. It also reminds us that the providence of God has no boundaries and that favor is found for those who trust in the Lord, just as James wrote.

Do you know Christ as your Savior? Time is limited; embrace God's steadfast love, His hesed, today before the opportunity passes. If you seek guidance, contact us at In Messiah. We will share scriptures that reveal the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace

1 Strong’s Exhausted Concordance 2618.