b. What was the purpose of gleaning and why did God’s Law make provision to allow this practice? (Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22; Small Group Questions Deuteronomy 24:19-21) “Under His Wings” c. Is this biblical principle of gleaning something Ruth 1:22—2:23 that would work in our modern society? Why or why not? Previous message summary: In chapter one we were introduced to Elimelech and his family, who left Israel in 3. As a result of Ruth’s desire to provide for herself and search of a better life in Moab. Instead of a better life, Naomi, she takes a risk and goes out into the fields they experienced tremendous loss. When this family was to glean. What was so risky about Ruth, a at the “end of their rope” they each responded differently, Moabitess, gleaning in the fields near Bethlehem? but the one constant is that God was on the other end of a. What potential dangers could Ruth face as she their rope. goes into the fields to glean? What we learned: When we come to the end of our rope, b. What do we learn about Ruth as she takes this God is on the other end, and he is a source of strength risk? and guidance in difficult times. c. Even before going into the fields, Ruth’s desire Introduction (or prayer) is that she ends up in a field of someone in whom she can find favor. How did 1. Life is full of risk and reward. Share about a time in God provide for her as she took a risk? your life when you took a risk and did something that 4. By chance, Ruth ends up gleaning in a field that was difficult or dangerous. What was the result? belongs to Boaz. What do you know about Boaz? a. Did you find yourself relying on God’s strength a. Why is it important that Boaz is of the clan of and guidance as you took that risk? Elimelech? b. What did you learn about yourself, and about b. Is this meeting between Ruth and Boaz really your God, as a result of taking a risk? Is it chance, or is this God’s leading? Have you something that you would do again? ever experienced God’s leading in your life? Discussion Questions What did you learn about God during that time? Read Ruth Chapter 2 c. When Boaz arrives in the field, he greets his 2. When Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem, what workers and inquires about Ruth. Was Boaz a time of year is it? (Read Ruth 1:22) good boss? Would you have wanted to work a. Why is this a significant time of the year? for him? What does Ruth decide to do, based on the d. What was Boaz’s goal in wanting to know time of year, that she couldn’t do during any about Ruth? Was this unusual? other season? e. What did the foreman tell Boaz about Ruth? 8. Why was Naomi so excited when she heard that (Ruth 2:6-7) Was Ruth a hard worker? Ruth had gleaned in a field that belonged to Boaz? 5. How does God lead through Ruth’s initiative to go a. Was Boaz an answer to Ruth’s earlier prayer to into the fields and Boaz’s reaction to her? What glean in the field of someone in whose eyes does this tell us about the way that God works in our she found favor? If so, what does this tell us lives? about prayer? How have you seen God work through a prayer that you have made recently? a. In what ways does Boaz make special provision for Ruth in his initial encounter with b. How long did Ruth glean in Boaz’s fields? her? (Ruth 2:8-9) (Ruth 2:23) b. What was so significant about Boaz’s offer to c. How did God provide for Ruth and Naomi as a have Ruth come back to his field and continue result of their faithfulness to God and each to glean with the women who worked for him? other? How much barley could Ruth have potentially gleaned during the entire time that c. What is so significant about Boaz’s offer to she was working in Boaz’s fields? drink water that the men had drawn? Challenge d. Why does Boaz go out of his way to bless Ruth? (Ruth 2:11-12) Is this unusual? God is faithful to reward those who put their trust and faith in him, especially when the prospect of doing so may e. We see that God works through Boaz to seem risky. This week, put aside your fears and be willing provide protection and provision to a woman to do everything that God has called you to do. whose desire is to come under the wing of God’s protection. In what ways are the church Action and Christian people called to be God’s wings List three things you would do for God’s Kingdom if you of protection and provision to people in our knew you could not fail (sharing your faith, volunteering at world? Is this even important? a homeless shelter, giving financially to missions or the 6. What was Ruth’s reaction to Boaz’s provision? church, etc.). Commit to doing one of these things in the next three weeks as we continue to study the book of 7. Boaz makes additional provision for Ruth during Ruth. lunch. What additional favor did Boaz show to Ruth? (Ruth 2:14-16) Next Steps: With God’s help . . . a. What is significant about Ruth being invited to G I will work on developing an attitude of gratitude. share a meal with Boaz? G I will be faithfully generous. b. How much grain did Ruth end up with at the G I will pray for his constant provision. end of the day? (Ruth 2:17) Was this an unusual amount of grain for someone to glean G I will seek ways to be used by him for his glory (even in one day? if it involves an element of risk).