Mark 12:41-44 NKJV 41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." This widow gave all that she had to live on. She was surrounded by people that were richer than her, better dressed, and probably better educated. She had plenty of reasons to be intimidated. She also had cause to tell herself that she needed that money more than the church did; after all, the people around her were putting in more than enough to sustain the temple. So why did she give all that she had? Why give at all? I believe the answer is that she knew God had already given her so much. She was grateful. Not only that, but she was being obedient to the tithing laws and customs. I also believe that she gave cheerfully, otherwise, I don't think that Jesus would have chosen to brag about her, or want her to be remembered through the text of the scriptures. The Bible says that she threw in the two mites, which implies that she wasn't holding on to them tightly or selfishly. She willingly gave them. (She wasn't crying all over the offering baskets.) What made her special is that she gave from her heart-directly to God. She realized that He was her source, rather than those two mites. She could be at peace, while offering all that she had unto the Lord. Out of all who gave that day, she was the only one who gave sacrificially. This text proves that God isn't concerned about how much you give in comparison to everyone else. He wants us to do what we can do, the way that only we can do it. Lord, I don't have very many years left..........put in all that you have. Lord, I don't have very much money left..............put in all that you have. Lord, I'm not very talented...................put in all that you have. Lord, I'm not very smart, I didn't do well in school...........put in all that you have. Will you offer all that you have to Him, today? Your life, your money, your talents, your intellect, etc.? God is the giver of them all. Let Him brag on you. I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Min. Tommy & Sis. Shatika Gray |
| All She Had Nov. 10, 2004 |