Finding Safety in God's Care, the Story of RuthSample

Keeping your promises and taking responsibility

“Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, ‘You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.’” (Ruth 4:9-10)

Boaz had promised Ruth that he would grant her request. Immediately the next day, he takes action. He addresses the other potential redeemer and asks him if he will buy the field from Naomi's family. The man is willing to do so. But when it becomes clear that he must then also marry Ruth and that their child will count as Elimelech's heir, he pulls out. That would harm his own family too much.

Boaz does not let this stop him. He fulfills his promise and makes it official before the elders of the city. He precisely formulates the content of the agreement and the townspeople present are witnesses. Thus, his marriage promise becomes legally valid and binding. Boaz turns out to be a trustworthy and honorable man.

Do you always handle promises you make carefully? Do you keep them and are you prepared to give account to others for important matters? You can take an example from Boaz here, but especially from Boaz’s God. He always keeps His promises! (See Hebrews 10:22-23).