In Ruth 4:1–12, Boaz meets the closer relative at the city gate. The man declines the responsibility of redemption, and Boaz publicly commits himself to redeem the property and marry Ruth. The witnesses respond with blessing.

This sermon follows three themes: redemption is costly, redemption is settled, and God’s people should celebrate faithfulness. Boaz’s willingness to bear the cost points to Jesus Christ, who gave Himself to redeem sinners. His finished work is the hope of our forgiveness and assurance.

Scripture: Ruth 4:1–12
Themes: Boaz, family redemption, the cost of redemption, Jesus Christ, forgiveness, assurance, faithfulness

To learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.

If you’ve listened to my sermons on All for the Kingdom, I’d like to invite you to another resource I hope will encourage you.

Ponderings is the audio companion to my Ponderings blog. In each episode, I read one of my articles, with small changes for natural spoken delivery. The reflections consider Scripture, faith, culture, the local church, and everyday Christian life.

Some begin with a Bible passage. Others begin with an ordinary experience or a question worth considering in light of God’s Word.

Start with the first episode, “Play for the Coach, Not the Crowd,” explore the written articles, and follow Ponderings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify using the links on its podcast page. Ponderings has its own feed, so follow it separately to receive the readings.

Each reading links to the original article and related sermons or Bible study resources when available.

Listen and follow Ponderings

Find episode one: Play for the Coach, Not the Crowd

Follow Ponderings on Spotify

Read the Ponderings articles

Explore sermons and Bible study resources

Hosted and read by Ben Smith, Sr.

Ponderings with Ben Smith, Sr. — Thinking out loud about faith, culture, and life.

In Ruth 3, Naomi encourages Ruth to ask Boaz to act as their kinsman redeemer. Boaz receives her request with kindness, but another relative must be consulted first. Ruth returns home with his promise, and Naomi tells her to wait.

This sermon considers what it means to prepare, submit, and wait with hope. Ruth and Naomi cannot settle the matter themselves. Their patience rests on the word of someone willing to act for them. Their story points us to the greater redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ and calls us to trust His promises while we wait.

Scripture: Ruth 3
Themes: Waiting on God, patience, hope, humility, obedience, Boaz, redemption, the promises of God

To learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.