Earlier in the book, Naomi balked at her name. She did not want to be called Naomi any longer because it meant “pleasant.” Instead, she wanted to be called “Mara” because her life had become so bitter by God’s hand.

In this passage, we see another name being emphasized. This time, the city elders and others at the gate blessed Boaz and called on the Lord to make his name well known in Bethlehem (v. 11). It is a prayer that God would answer far above what they may have imagined. Even though the lineage of Jesus is recorded in two different places in the Gospels, we don’t recall many of the names recorded in them. But Boaz is one that many of us recognize. His name had indeed become great in Bethlehem, but because of one of his descendants who would later be born there, the name Boaz is known far outside of the modest town. We can’t miss why – because Boaz was able to look on another with compassion and mercy. Because Boaz appeared to be a man who lived in a way not to make much of his name, but the name of another: the Lord.

How have you sought to make your name great only to see it backfire? When have you instead sought to make God’s name great and have seen Him bless you?