In what ways can we honor commitments as Boaz did in Ruth 4:10? Boaz’s Example in Ruth 4:10 “ ‘And also Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, I have acquired as my wife to preserve the name of the deceased upon his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his hometown; you are witnesses this day.’ ” (Ruth 4:10) Key Observations • Public declaration—Boaz sealed the commitment before witnesses at the city gate. • Legal integrity—he followed every procedure laid out in God’s law for kinsman-redeemers (Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5-10). • Self-sacrifice—he took on financial risk and responsibility for Ruth and Naomi’s future. • Covenant mindset—his goal was to “preserve the name of the deceased,” putting God’s covenant purposes ahead of personal convenience. Ways We Can Honor Commitments Like Boaz 1. Public Accountability • Say what we intend to do and identify reliable witnesses. • Matthew 5:37—“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ ” • Proverbs 27:2—letting others confirm our faithfulness guards humility and credibility. 2. Complete Compliance with God’s Word • Study the relevant biblical principles before acting (Psalm 1:2). • Refuse shortcuts; Boaz waited until the nearer relative declined (Ruth 4:1-8). • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” 3. Costly Obedience • Expect sacrifice; real commitments rarely come cheap (Luke 9:23). • Boaz risked his estate to redeem land and raise offspring in another man’s name—an act of loving-kindness (hesed). • Philippians 2:4-5—look to the interests of others, following Christ’s self-giving mindset. 4. Long-Term Faithfulness • A commitment is not finished when the paperwork is signed; Boaz continued providing for Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 4:13-15). • Ecclesiastes 5:4-5—“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it.” • Psalm 15:4—honor a promise “even when it hurts.” 5. Restoring and Protecting Others • Aim to lift up the vulnerable, as Boaz did for two widows. • Isaiah 1:17—“Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” • Commitments that mirror God’s heart bring blessing to families and communities. 6. Acting as Witnesses to God’s Redeeming Love • Boaz prefigures Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer (Titus 2:14). • Our fulfilled commitments become living testimonies of the gospel’s power (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). Putting It into Practice • List any vows—marriage, ministry, financial, vocational. • Identify God’s directives for each. • Invite trusted believers to hold you accountable. • Plan specific, sacrificial actions that protect and bless others. • Track progress and give God the glory for every step of obedience. |
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