Luke 21:1-4 - As he stood in the Temple, he was
watching the rich tossing their gifts into the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small
copper coins. “Really,” he remarked, “this poor widow has given more
than all the rest of them combined. For they have given a little
of what they didn’t need, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she
has.”
Jesus watched man rich and well to do people
come put tons of money in the Temple collection boxes …but was unimpressed till
a poor widow came and dropped in 2 small coins. Her small…seemingly insignificant
offering caught His heart because it was all that she had in the world.
The difference in her offering was the sacrifice
involved in making her gift. Her gift was all she had to care for herself in
the future. Tossing those coins in the box meant she was totally relying on God
for everything she would need in the future. Those rich and well to do folks
just tossed in their extra….the income they did not need…or perhaps a mathematical
calculation that measured their offering in exact 10 percent.
Jesus was impressed because the widow showed
love beyond the others in giving sacrificially. She had the faith she needed to
trust that God would provide all that she needed. Just like we are told in 2
Corinthians 8:2-3 …. “that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and
their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. For I testify, they gave according to their
means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily.”
I admit that I thought I was above the curve in giving. I mathematically calculate my tithe each
paycheck. But this scripture has me
reflecting on the motives for my simple routine of supporting my church. Sure I
give to other things on a routine basis…and I hear in my spirit to help out
with other causes from time to time...but I have never really sacrificed
anything to do it. I give from the abundance of what God has blessed me with…sure
that the checkbook still has plenty to cover the bills I know are coming that
pay period.
I needed the reminder to examine my motives and rethink my
routines. Perhaps I need to listen a little closer to what God needs me to support
with what He has allowed me to handle for Him…for its His money after all….every
penny. The object of true giving isn’t to set up some math formula…but to give
beyond what is convenient and safe…to show our faith in God to care completely
for us.
Father…thank you for the reminder that everything I have is
yours. Forgive me for the times that I have been selfish and used the resources
you gave me to benefit only me. Help me
to be more like this widow…and give sacrificially…beyond what I know I can
handle…so you can show off and prove your promise to care for me completely.
Amen.
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