“I tell you the
truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” Mark
12.43b
Jesus compared
the poor widow with the others who made offerings at the temple treasury. The
rich gave from their wealth. When they left the temple they were still rich.
Had they really given anything of significance?
The widow put in
the smallest amount. Indeed, it was hardly noticeable in monetary value. But it
was all she had to live on. The widow left the temple with nothing. Or did she?
Of the two
contrasting parties, the widow is the one who truly served God. I might imagine
that God took her small contribution and used it for the most amazing and
profitable kingdom work. I’d like to imagine that God blessed the widow with a
steady provision for her wants during the rest of her life. But all this is
imagination.
The reality, as
the story reads, is that she was left with nothing tangible. But she had
surrendered her all to God. If both parties were questioned on whether they had
followed Jesus, the rich might have blustered, “Well, I gave and gave
handsomely.”
The widow could
honestly say, “I gave Him my all.” I believe she knew the true riches.
Lord God,
I praise You for the widow and I thank You for her example. I can’t say
that I have followed her in surrendering all that I have to the “temple
treasury”. But my heart is to follow Jesus. I offer what I have to You. I
delight that You choose to use me in many varied ways. I give myself fully into
Your service.
I look to You for every provision. I do not seek, as the rich folks, to
maintain my own means. Rather, I trust You for the provision of all that I
might need. You are my source. You are my provider. You are my means, my
fulfillment and satisfaction. I look to You, and only to You.
I praise You and thank You,. In
Jesus’ name. Amen.
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