Mark 12:43:44
Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
The subject of giving to the Lord has been a hot topic for as long as I can remember. As I read today’s Scripture I see that it was just as much an issue at the time Jesus walked the dusty paths of Israel.
As a teenager I recall a typical statement, actually a question, being posed by a minister in response to whether the tithe should be paid on the gross before withholdings or on the net after all of the deduction? The reply was; “Do you want to be blessed on the net or on the gross?”
I have come to realize that it is not simply the ten percent that belongs to the Lord, but one hundred percent. Look again at this passage from Luke’s gospel. Jesus and His disciples were in the temple watching as the crowds were making their offerings into the treasury. Many rich people gave large amounts, but one poor widow threw in only a few pennies. It seemed to be nothing at all compared to the vast amounts others gave.
Jesus used this incident to teach a valuable lesson. The rich people, perhaps even those with moderate means brought significant offerings. The thing that made the difference is that this poor widow gave her all. It was not the extra, but the very means of her life.
For the next few days I would like to explore the topic of giving Jesus our all. I hope it will be a benefit for someone, even if it is only for my own personal growth.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil