1. Gleaning in the barley fields (1-3)

Ruth had given no thought to her own future when she followed her widowed mother-in-law. They returned to Bethlehem, and Ruth went to work to support herself and Naomi. She gleaned grain in the barley fields, and unknowingly, she gleaned in the field of Boaz, a wealthy relative of her dead husband.

2. Under the wings of the God of Israel (4-16)

Boaz noticed Ruth. He had heard of her decision of faith to take care of her mother-in-law and to leave her own land to come and live with God's people. He was moved by her faith and by her beauty. He told her to glean only in his field, and he instructed his men to protect her. When she thanked him, he prayed that God might bless her richly for taking refuge under the wings of the God of Israel. She responded with gracious humility. Then he invited her to lunch. He instructed his harvesters to leave grain behind for her to glean.

Application: Lord, thank you for Ruth's example of unselfish commitment and faith. Help me to be faithful and hardworking.
One Word: Refuge under the wings of God