W is for the Widow who gave her last mites
Mark 12:41-44: "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."
As the disciples traveled with Jesus, He took every opportunity to make observations and point things out to them, to teach them. He used many people as examples, both good and bad. In this passage of Scripture from Mark, we see Jesus sitting at the temple 'people-watching'. His disciples were about to get a 'life lesson' in giving.
Many people, especially the Pharisees, were known for making a big show of their tithes and offerings. They would bring their money to the temple, and often there was more satisfaction in having others see what they gave, rather than pleasing the Lord with their gifts.
We know this pious attitude was displeasing to God because Jesus took many opportunities to call people out on it when it was displayed. This time, Jesus pointed out someone who was so obscure that her name is not even mentioned, but her humble act of love towards God is forever recorded in the Scripture for us to enjoy.
This widow woman was very poor. Jesus expressed to the disciples that her gift was all that she had. I can imagine a pleasant, older woman who lovingly took her last two coins that she possessed and took it to the temple for her offering. We don't know much about her personal situation, but we do know that her heart was pure in its motive to give to the Lord. She quietly walked in and deposited all that she had.
How often do we fret over giving to the Lord? Often we worry about all our physical needs, and making our last dollars stretch to cover them. Oh, to have the faith of this widow woman to give willingly to the Lord first, and allow Him to meet the needs in our life!
Like this widow woman, I wish to give of 'all my living' to the Lord, with a humble and right spirit. I pray that my faith can grow and be strengthened to give whenever the Lord lays it on my heart to do so, in a quiet manner that would be pleasing to God.
The widow who gave all is one of my favorites. (Okay - maybe I have lots and lots of favorites.) She is a reminder of who I desire to be someday. Giving all; serving the Lord into old age; serving and giving when much has been taken from you; going to worship no matter the cost; worship and giving without care of those around you. There are so many lessons for us in this widow's example.
ReplyDeleteYes!! What a blessing! Thanks so much for sharing.
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