Looking to God - Pastor Poju Oyemade

This was culled from the weekly Nutshell newsletter of Covenant Christian Centre. 

“Then she fell on her feet and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou should take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? And Boaz answered and said unto her, it hath fully been showed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in-law since the death of thy husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knowest not heretofor. The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” (Ruth 2:10-12).

Ruth’s faithfulness to the covenant relationship she had with Naomi paved way for her. She diligently kept the tenets of the covenant. All over the Bible, there are teachings emphasizing different kinds of relationships and how each of us ought to comport and conduct ourselves in them. Whether it is between husband-wife or wife-husband, children-parents or parents-children, masters-servants or servants-masters etc., the Bible categorically states God's expectation. This is important because “whatsoever a man doeth, the same shall he receive." We are also charged in Scriptures not to "... do it as unto men but as unto God that you (we) might receive the eternal inheritance.”

Your heritage will come through the domestic relationships in your life (that is, the people you relate with in your everyday life. As wives, husbands, children, brethren, servants or masters etc. every action or reaction from us triggers a reward from heaven. These rewards are either positive or negative depending on the choice we make.

Naomi did not have anything left to offer Ruth and she told her so. Yet Ruth followed her and kept the tenets of their relationship. She was not searching for benefits. She was just keeping the unwritten dictates of covenant relationships. Ruth's eyes were solely on the Lord from whom alone her gain, profit or positive reward could come!

In relationships, our eyes must be upon the Lord alone. No man can open the door God wants to open for you. Never look at the hands of any man for help. Carry out the obligation of the covenant you are in but always remember that God and not man is your reward. God will reward you adequately. It all begins with how we handle our relationships. God honours us when we are faithful to covenants. No relationship is just casual and keeping their tenets is key to receiving what lies ahead of you. Ruth understanding the covenant in relationship with Naomi stuck with her and God rewarded her. Looking to God for your reward as you play your own part in every relationship you find yourself will change your life and bring much fulfillment your way.

Pastor Poju Oyemade

About the Author

Pastor Poju Oyemade presides over Covenant Christian Centre and is the the convener of The Platform based in Lagos, Nigeria. He can be reached on Twitter @pastorpoju.