Wednesday, August 06, 2014

Let me share one more verse in Mark 12 that I would encourage you to memorize – verse 44, “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.” Jesus was “people watching” as the crowds put their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts, hoping others would notice. A poor widow came and put in two very small coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Most of us would say, “That was a nice thought of her to give those two coins, but they won’t help in meeting expenses.” But that’s not what Jesus thought. He declared, “This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” Economics God’s way is quite different than man’s way. What a contrast to what we saw earlier in Mark 10, where Jesus said to the rich young man, “Go sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” He walked away with his pockets full and his heart empty. This poor widow gave all she had and left with her heart full. There’s nothing wrong in giving out of our abundance. But when we are poor in any area, and we choose to give out of our poverty, God is pleased. He takes special notice when we give everything, all we have to live on, trusting that God will provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13). Remember, though, that this is a faith issue. There is nothing magical about giving everything if you don’t believe God will meet your needs. But faith mixed with the grace of giving pleases God and will be mightily used of God to further His Kingdom.