Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.’ Mark 12:43 (NIV)
Sitting down in front of the offering chest of the house of worship, Jesus observes the people bringing their offerings to the Lord. He sees a remarkable woman doing a remarkable thing. He calls our attention as He draws His Disciples near to share it with them. “All the others,” He says, “give out of their wealth.” This poor widow woman gives hardly anything at all. She gives only a couple coins of little value. But it is ALL she has!
Should we like to continue building on this habit of pulling our chair in closer? When Jesus calls His Disciples near to instruct, shall we perk up our ears too? Shall we open our hearts a little in the hope of His words finding fertile soil in which to plant their seeds?
If Jesus finds a faith and an attitude in a human worth noting, do we desire to seek that same quality within ourselves? Could we let go of less fruitful tendencies to take hold of something our Savior is putting His seal of approval on? He knew that her little gift to God was not merely a part of what she had left over. Everyone else is making the decision of what they can spare after their needs are met. Some are even giving because it makes them feel good that others see their generosity. But who is giving their ALL unto God? Who is giving even that last bit that was their only hope of survival? Who is placing their fate that entirely in the Lord? Who is stepping out where nothing will hold them but their faith in God?
As we let Jesus´ words sink in, can we turn our attention inward? How do we make our decisions of what to give and how much? Do we see that our needs are met first? Do we take care of the many demands of our lives and THEN turn our attention to the Lord. Do we bring Him just what is left over?
Should we think that Jesus is leading us into monetary concerns? Is Jesus taking time and exaggerated care to bring our attention to money? Are there areas in our lives which are more vital to our eternal health and security? Would Jesus dare to use the offering of coins to lead us to consider the state of our own souls? Could we take this opportunity to examine the way we offer up other areas of our lives? How much of our time are we willing to give? Are we giving the Lord what is left over of our hearts after paying out to everything else first? Do we give time, money or praise to God so that others will see it? How can we write ourselves into this story? Where do we measure up when compared to this poor widow woman?
Dear Jesus, thank you for what we have been given. Even if there is nothing left on our table or in our bank account, God has invested in us. You and the Father have given us time, care, instruction, sacrifice, and love. You have given to us so that we can have You. Please teach us to offer up to You all that we have. Show us to give not only money as offering but every part of our lives. Let us give to You the first of our hearts, our time, our relationships and everything else You have blessed us with. Teach us to give unselfishly recognizing that all things come from You to begin with and belong to You ultimately in the end. What we are trying to say is let us be with You! Let us be directed first to You! Let us keep nothing! Let our possession be You! Then we shall have all we need!
Amen
Searching For Christ 
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