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I. THE SPHERE: LIFE'S OPPORTUNITIES.

1. The law of labour is the law of life. In this world but little can be accomplished without energy and enterprise. In every department this is true.

2. To the open and eager eye openings invite and opportunities multiply. "Let me now go to the field." "I have set before thee an open door." "The field is the world." (Isaiah 6:8.)

3. Forms of activity, how diversified they are. There is not only the reaper but the "gleaner" also. "All works are good, and each is best when most it pleases Thee." "Gather up the fragments," and despise not "the day of small things."

4. Scope exists for all. "How many serve, how many more may to the service come." "Even I, in fields so broad, some duties may fulfil."

5. Each "day" brings its demands. "To-day."

II. THE SERVICE: OUR USE OR NEGLECT OF LIFE'S OPPORTUNITIES.

1. Neglect possible. There is no compulsion. The parable of the talents. The field of the slothful (Proverbs 24).

2. Success attainable. Satisfaction in healthful industry. Beneficent results are an "ephah of barley." "Neither man nor work unblest wilt Thou permit to be." "He shall doubtless come again bringing his sheaves with him." "Enter into the joy of thy Lord."

3. Co-operation here desirable. "Let fall some for her." "Reproach her not." Community in labour. Unselfishly thinking of others and their work, without unkindliness or rebuke. "Each worker pleases where the rest he serves in charity."

III. THE SCRUTINY: DIRECT INVESTIGATION INTO OUR USE OF LIFE'S OPPORTUNITIES.

1. The "day," however, varying in incident and duration, soon "goeth away." "The shadows of the evening are stretched out." "The night cometh when no man can work."

2. After that, the tribunal and award.

(a)  The fact of judgment (Matthew 25:19).

(b)  Its characteristics.

(1)  Personal and individual: "Those."

(2)  Practical: "Where"

(3)  Precise: Each "day" and its doings.How wise to let the inquiry here anticipate the inquiry hereafter. Day by day and every day should conscience put the question, "Where hast thou gleaned to-day?"

(J. P. Allen, M. A.)

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KJV: And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.

WEB: Her mother-in-law said to her, "Where have you gleaned today? Where have you worked? Blessed be he who noticed you." She showed her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, and said, "The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz."