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Ruth 2:8-10, 13-16

 In his book, 'What's so amazing about grace?', Philip Yancey tells about a conference where experts from all over the world debated what, if any, belief was unique to the Christian faith... The experts began to eliminate possibilities.
Incarnation?
Resurrection?
But other faiths tell of deities that appeared in human-form and that returned from death.
This debate went on for quite some time, until the theologian and philosopher, C S Lewis joined the discussion. When he was told what the debate was about, he replied "Oh, that's easy. It's grace."

Do you agree with C S Lewis?
Why or why not?

Ruth prayed that she could glean in a field where she would find favour or grace.
As a widow and a foreigner, Ruth basically have no rights or claim on anyone.

How would you define 'grace'?

How does it apply here to this part of Ruth's story?


In Ruth 2:8, Boaz calls Ruth "my daughter".
What could that tell us?
Why is this significant?

Boaz knows that Ruth has embraced Yahweh (1:16).
In addressing her as "my daughter", he's acknowledging her as family, not a foreigner, not a Gentile, and certainly not an accursed Moabitess.
How does this story link to our stories?


Gleaners normally move from field to field... but Boaz asks Ruth to glean in his field only.
What does this tell us?

Gleaners were allowed to glean only after the harvesters have left that area... but Ruth is allowed to follow behind Boaz's workers.
What does this tell us?

Boaz even instructs his workers to deliberately "pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up".
What does this tell us?

Ruth is also allowed to drink from the water Boaz provides for his workers, a privilege not normally permitted to gleaners. He even shares his food with her.
What does this tell us?


In this part of the story, how do we see Boaz providing Ruth with permission, provision, and protection?


In Ruth 2:13, she prays, "May I continue to find favour in your eyes, my Lord."
How can Ruth's prayer inform our prayers today?


How have you experienced grace this week?

How did this unmerited act of kindness affect you?

Who can you bestow grace upon this week?

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