The Widow's Offering

Mark 12:41-44 NLT

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

"For they gave a tiny part of their surplus..."

How often do we give a tiny part of our surplus to others? Whenever I come across beggars I would like to give them a dollar to be a little generous. But see what I just said there? I said "a little generous." It is like I am patting myself on the back for giving one dollar out the many dollars I have available. 

How often do we do that with God?

We may go to church, but that is only for a brief amount of time on a Sunday. The more devoted ones may do more then just attend a service, but do we do anything else that is for God the rest of the week? Do we pray outside of church service? Do we read the Bible at home? Do we actively make disciples of all the nations?

How much of ourselves do we give to God?

"...she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on."

Yet the poor widow gave everything she had to God. She did not desperately hold onto her money. She did not complain about her circumstances. She just trusted God to provide for her, to take care of her, and to do for her what she could not do for herself. She demonstrated faith.

She took everything she could rely on to help herself, and gave it to God instead. She communicated her complete dependence on God, and not on worldly things. She was saying not her will, but God's will be done.

🙏 Dear God 🙏

Forgive me for only giving a tiny amount of my surplus to You. You deserve so much more than a pittance of what I can offer. You deserve everything I have to live on.

You were the only One who created the universe. You are the Miracle-Worker that made a way for Your people to make it through. You provided shelter. You provided help. You provided safety. You provided love. You provided Yourself.

Thank You for giving all of Yourself to me. May I now give all of myself back to You.

Amen 🙇

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