All that she had
And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all;4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” Luke 21.1-4
It’s Tuesday
Jesus’ final week as God-man, walking the streets of Jerusalem, He found Himself in the Temple. Luke 20.1 says He was preaching the Gospel when the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him.
Here we go. Those rascals were plotting and planning the great trap. They were relentless but Jesus? He was fully aware of their shenanigans and was fully prepared. (Read Luke 20) This particular chapter ends with red words He spoke to His disciples:
“Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”
He looked up…
And saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury (the offering plate) and He saw the poor widow putting in her two mites (very small copper coins).
Abundance vs Poverty
The rubber meets the road right here for me. The rich gave out of their abundance, the widow gave ALL she had. Anyone under conviction? My hand is raised.
Have I ever given all I had? I don’t believe so. But this isn’t about guilt it’s about heart. I believe we will all have a different take-away from this short story, but here are mine:
Take-away’s:
- Be ready in and out of season. Depend on Holy Spirit to lead you in what you say and what you do.
- God, Jesus notices us. He sees what we do, what we give, what we hold back, and what we want to do.
- Be generous.
- Jesus loves and blesses women – regardless of social status – we are all significant in His eyes.
- Even my small offering is commended.
- What’s my score on the “willingness meter?”
P.S.
What a moment of history, amen? Who would have ever thought at the beginning of 2020 we would all be sheltering at home, wearing face masks, and begging for toilet paper? It is rather apocalyptic! But. Isn’t it ironic that in the midst of all that is scary, the greatest event of Hope is celebrated? The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I refuse to allow Satan to rob me and my family of the Resurrection and its impact and meaning in our lives. Jesus is alive and well. Jesus is seated at the right hand of The Father interceding on our behalf. We have His attention. Just like He noticed the poor widow’s offering? He notices us. Let’s be busy about Kingdom stuff and redeeming our time for eternal purposes. We’ve got the time now – so those of us who can let’s be about praying for and serving those on the frontlines of this illness – our medical folks, our grocery clerks, our mail personnel, our neighbor. Let’s redeem our time rather than stress over what we cannot control. After all,
He is Risen…
He is Risen Indeed!
God sees. What we give, what we hold back and what we give but grudgingly. That is, indeed, convicting. Great post today – thanks!
I am normally preaching to the choir!!! Thanks for reading, Jen.
Hi Susan,
Yes, this story is a reminder to reflect upon our motives, agendas & heart attitudes…For sure!
His light is still singing in the midst of this pandemic & has many people asking questions about Him.
And indeed it does feel apocalyptic but how intense will that be when it arrives! I’m glad we have Jesus!
Have a blessed Easter,
Blessings
Jennifer
Can you even remotely imagine? Thanks, Jennifer.
Happy Birthday Marni, Happy Easter to you and the family. Jesus is with us thru thick and thin and we must trust that he knows what is best for us all. As we celebrate his resurrection, reflect the love he has for each of us and tell all who will listen that he is Lord! Thank you for today’s post.
Thank YOU, Merry. I can still see our littles around a birthday cake, singing and blowing out candles. Can you?
He is risen indeed! This widow’s story is always so convicting to me. Even more so, now. May my willingness become focused on living for the Risen King, even here today. Thank you for this great reminder, Susan. Blessings for Resurrection Day for you!!
And, always for you, BettieG!
Hope in The Risen! Praise You, God!!
He is our LIVING HOPE. Praise His Name forever.
I really love your reference to Jesus noticing us, seeing what we do, What we give, what we hold back and what we want to do. Wonderful food for thought.
Hoping you and your loved ones are all well. Wishing you a blessed Easter.
And, Ali our best love and wishes to you and Garo!
One of my dear pastors………….gone to Glory now…….used to use the illustration with his hand……..he’d clench it tight and say “is this how your resources are kept?”………..then open the hand WIDE and say “or is THIS how your resources are?” He often said………speaking of resources……..money included………”God looks at what you keep……not what you give!”
Love your writing every week………every time.
Great illustration.
The widow’s giving was sacrificial. So often, our giving is not. We give out of our abundance and not out of sacrifice. There’s a difference. Convicting! Thank you for these thoughts!
Pinned.
Thank you for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Patsy, it IS convicting. Thanks!
Amen! He is risen indeed! And He always notices us and cares about every detail of our lives. What a blessing! Blessings to you, dear Susan! xoxo
Blessings to you, Gayl.
Jesus notices even the smallest thing (in man’s eyes). He is so much better, so much more than any deserve. But that’s the point. He knew that and yet He knew from before the beginning of the human race what would be required. It is truly amazing grace.
Lastly, everyday is Resurrected Day because He lives.
YES! We live a resurrected life!
This is the perfect season to be thinking about ways to be generous. We’re being pushed outside our comfort zone. Jesus is with us even there.
EVEN THERE. EVEN IF. EVEN WHEN. Love you and yours MM! He is risen!
Love this article, I believe Our Lord is trying to speak to us, maybe, just maybe Be Still and Watch. Have a Blessed Easter, Honey! Love ya
Amen, HM – He is speaking loud and clear – I hear Him, I know you do as well. xo
Thank you for another convicting post. I agree with your takeaways especially being ready in and out of season. That will preach!
May the Risen Savior be enough and our first, last, and only.
He IS more than enough for all ways and always.