POOR WIDOW’S OFFERING

Luke 21:3-4
“…this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood”.
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People are watching the rich depositing their large offerings – bundles of money, maybe. And they would be very proud as people would talk about their offerings. But no one would notice the poverty-stricken widow, who reached into her rags to withdraw these two thin coins and deposit them into the collection box. That offering may already be enough for her meal for the day. And no one sees the look of joy on her face as she gives to her Lord the little she has. Yes, no one sees. No one notices. Except Jesus…

God's Son noticed it. And He says to his disciples – “Did you see that?” They looked over where He is pointing, but all they see was a tired old widow running away from the collection box. Maybe, she was afraid that the rich men will rebuke her. But, Jesus remark is very clear. “She gave more than all of those rich people put together,” and they looked at him in astonishment.

Her act was motivated by the knowledge, by the spiritual thrill of heart, that she belonged to God. She had received freely, and her gratitude to God revealed itself in contentment, a total confidence that the Lord was able to supply her daily need. She lived in total dependence upon God. How about you? How about me. Have you given God your all, whether large or small? If you have, then you know having the heart of trusting God for the next step, the next meal, the next project. And you know the reward of loving God with a joy and purity that reward you with His glorious presence.

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus, I am more and more aware that those whom You will reward with the greatest crowns are not as likely to be the well-known Christian leaders, but the faithful men and women who regularly lay their whole life and livelihood on the line for you. I pray that I might someday you might count me worthy to stand among these ordinary Christian heroes. In your Holy Name, I pray.

Amen +

He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior.