Monday, June 15, 2009

Sealing the Deal

After Boaz "offered" the right of redemption to the closer relative and he refused Boaz followed teh custom of the day and completed the redemption of Naomi and Ruth. He was willing to do what God required without consideration of what was in it for him.

Ruth 4:7-12
7 Now this wasthe custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel. 8 So the closest relative said to Boaz, "Buy it for yourself." And he removed his sandal. 9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "You are witnesses today that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon. 10 "Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased will not be cut off from his brothers or from the court of his birth place; you are witnesses today." 11 All the people who were in the court, and the elders, said, "We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built the house of Israel; and may you achieve wealth in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem. 12 "Moreover, may your house be like the house of Perez whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring which the Lord will give you by this young woman." NASU

Boaz received some wonderful blessings. Not because that was what he was after but because he was willing to do what God required.

Why do you do what you do? Teaching Bible Studies, sharing your faith, attending worship, do you do these because you "must" or because your love for God give you a desire to obey.

Ps 51:16-17 16 For You (God) do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. NASU

What are you giving to God today and Why?

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