I confess: For years, I have been shortsighted. When I read the following story. I think about money.
While Jesus was in the Temple, He watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (Luke 21:1-4)
When I talk about this story, I talk about money.
If the story is about money, the widow is the perfect giver. Not content to give God her leftovers, the widow gives it all for the God Who sees all, knows all and is all.
A message on giving more money to God is certainly not bad. We should give generously.
But Jesus wasn’t only talking about money. I should know better. Jesus always had a deeper meaning in mind but until now… I didn’t catch it. Did you?
For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.
Jesus was using money as an illustration of something much greater. This is a story about commitment and ultimately… faith.
For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.
We just finished celebrating Easter Sunday. The single most important day in the life of a Christian. Jesus Christ deliberately sacrificed himself on the cross to pay for our sins. Then he defeated death by rising on the third day – Sunday morning — Easter Sunday morning.
What should be our response to Easter Sunday?
For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.
Our response could be that of the first group which is to continue doing what we’ve always done.
But what would it mean if like the widow we were willing to step away from our cocoon of comfort and safety and give everything we have? How would that change us? How would you act differently? What kind of Christian would we be?
For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.
- What if giving everything meant changing the way you act around your friends?
- What if giving everything meant changing the way you act toward your family?
- What if giving everything meant changing the way you spend your free time?
- What if giving everything meant reevaluating your career choice?
- What if giving everything meant a drastic change in your lifestyle?
At one time, I may have been closer to the faith of the widow then I am today. I confess that I too must be willing to ask the same questions. The story of the widow’s extraordinary gift is a story of commitment and ultimately… faith.
Brian Masinick has led our Sowing Seeds worldwide prayer ministry for over ten years. During that time, Brian has lost his job and experienced tragedy and heartache many times over. Yet he has remained an encourager for everyone who asks for prayer. For example:
“For every struggle, there are things to learn, people to meet, and ways to encourage others. If you look and pray, there are plenty of opportunities out there, and if you are bold enough to seek them, I am positive that God will not only bless you, He will also take good care of you, and ultimately reward you. I am not done struggling; neither am I done working hard, doing my best, praying for others, and trusting God for everything. May God bless you and provide a bright path for you even when things seem discouraging. Look for what God is doing in your life, and I am positive that He, in His time, will show you something wonderful!”
- For every struggle, there are things to learn, people to meet and ways to encourage others.
- If you look and pray there are plenty of opportunities out there.
- I am not done struggling.
- Even when things seem discouraging, look for what God is doing in your life.
- I am positive that He, in His time, will show you something wonderful!
For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.
