(NASB) Ruth 4:7 “Now this was the 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.”
***In the days that judges were the rulers in Israel, the above verse explains what the custom was for legal contracts. Naomi had sold the right of redemption to Boaz.
A legal contract is binding on the parties that enter into the contract.
As Scripture reveals Boaz’ proposal to Naomi’s nearest relative we can follow the legal process, legal processes are still in effect today.
First, there is the proposed contract stated, next there is the acceptance of the contract. Then the contract is signed with witnesses and then the contract is executed.
Contracts are binding on both parties…the seller and the buyer.
Think about this…God has kept His integrity in the promises He has made. He has witnesses to His promises and He has executed the contract on our behalf.
Integrity is to “˜keep faith’ in the execution of contracts.
God promised Messiah (Jesus Christ) and then He sent His only begotten Son into the world as a baby. Can you imagine that the God Who created the universe became a living human being, like you and me? What God promised, He did in Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ fulfilled the contract when He went to the cross in the place of you and me. He redeemed us; He fulfilled the contract and executed it with His sacrifice and his resurrection from the dead.
The part you and I have in this legal transaction is to accept the offer. God has done everything else that is needed. Does that sound too simple? People think that they have to do something. That is true; they need to accept what God has lavishly provided. When we turn from God’s generosity through the Lord Jesus Christ, we say that God’s contract isn’t sufficient.
Accountability is essential as a follower of Christ Jesus.
We are accountable to accept what God has already done.
How are you responding to God’s proposed, accepted contract that has been signed, witnessed and executed in your behalf?
